Acclaimed Choir Director, Organist and Composer Appointed Director of Music at Saint Paul’s Parish

James Kennerley to Lead Renowned Harvard Square-Based Boys Choir

CAMBRIDGE, MA, JULY 1, 2019 – SAINT PAUL’S PARISH AND SAINT PAUL’S CHOIR SCHOOL (SPCS) in Harvard Square has announced the appointment of Mr. James Kennerley as Director of Music, effective September 2019.

An internationally known organist, vocalist and music director, Mr. Kennerley is rooted in the English choir school tradition, having sung as a chorister under Graham Elliott and Barry Rose at Chelmsford Cathedral. He later served as Organ Scholar at Jesus College, Cambridge, and at Saint Paul’s Cathedral, London. Most recently he served as Music Director at three influential Episcopal churches in the United States. Additionally, he has provided professional leadership as Dean of the New York City Chapter of the American Guild of Organists and as Director of the New Jersey State Children’s Chorus.

Mr. Kennerley’s appointment concludes a rigorous search process that considered more than 25 applicants from around the world. An 11-person Search Committee—composed of respected musicians, educators, parishioners, Choir School parents, and parish and school staff—participated in reviewing candidates and in selecting finalists.

“We were looking for a candidate of deep faith and fine character, all of which Mr. Kennerley brings to this position,” said Rev. William T. Kelly, Pastor of St. Paul’s Parish. “He was unanimously forwarded as the top choice. This assessment was fully in line with the rehearsal feedback of the Men’s Choir and the Choristers as well.”

SPCS Advisory Board Chair Paul Haley credited the search committee for yielding “such a terrific candidate.” “I want to thank the Search Committee for its outstanding service. Each committee member brought unique perspective and genuine commitment to ensure that St. Paul’s would have an excellent music program,” he said.