James Tibbles, well known in New Zealand’s choral and church music scene, has been appointed Cathedral Organist at Auckland’s St Patrick’s Cathedral. James is Senior Lecturer in Early Music in the Auckland University School of Music, and is a former Director of Music at Holy Trinity Cathedral, Auckland, and Associate Conductor of New Zealand Youth Choir. He takes up his appointment at the cathedral at the beginning of June.

As one of New Zealand’s leading players of historic keyboards (harpsichord, fortepiano and organ), he has an active performing career as a soloist, accompanist, recording artist and conductor. He is also Artistic Director of the early music organisation Age of Discovery and member of the baroque chamber ensemble Extempore.

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In addition to his wide research interests, James has produced a number of CD recordings, including “And I saw in a New Heaven” (Auckland Cathedral Singers), “Sesquialtera” (Avery 1779, Ponsonby Baptist),and J.S. Bach ‘In the Italian Style’ – a recording of repertoire for solo harpsichord and a disc of North German organ music from the late 17th century, recorded on the Ahrend organ of Monash University, Melbourne.

Next week will see the release of his recording of the complete organ masses of F. Couperin, recorded on the organ of Rozay-en-Brie, France; included is the plainsong interpolations, sung by members of the Age of Discovery Vocal Ensemble.