On Sunday Organist and Director of Music at Paisley Abbey, Dr George McPhee MBE, will celebrate his Diamond Anniversary at the Abbey.
During those 60 years Dr McPhee has been acknowledged as one of the leading church musicians in the UK while thanks to his outstanding musicianship and commitment, Paisley Abbey Choir is regarded as one of the best church choirs in Britain.
For 60 years, Sunday by Sunday, worshipers have listened to glorious choral music and organ playing of the highest standards which has been recognised more widely through the many recordings, broadcasts and concerts undertaken throughout the years.
As a performer; composer; conductor and teacher, Dr McPhee is highly respected well beyond Paisley and he has held office in many musical institutions including the Royal College of Organists and the Incorporated Society of Musicians.
Recently, The Royal School of Church Music celebrated George’s remarkable milestone by holding a festival at Paisley Abbey where some of Dr McPhee’s choral works were performed.
Forever downplaying his remarkable achievements, this self-effacing and modest musician continues to stretch his own remarkable talents by always demanding the highest standards of performance from himself and his choir while continuing to champion new compositions for choir and organ.
George McPhee’s 60 years of dedication will be celebrated in Paisley Abbey on Sunday 29th October with a presentation during the morning service and a special evening reception attended by guests, former choristers and many friends and colleagues.
Celebrations continue on Friday 10th November when Dr McPhee will be the soloist in a performance in the Abbey by the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra of Saint-Saens’s Organ Symphony in a concert which also includes glorious choral music performed by the combined choirs of Paisley Abbey, St Mary’s Cathedral, Edinburgh, and St Giles’ Cathedral, Edinburgh.
Headline image: Dr George McPhee MBE