Join us for an engaging free lecture series exploring the connection between Anglicanism and its rich musical traditions. Spanning centuries of history, this series delves into the evolution of sacred music within the Anglican Church, guided by expert Cathedral musicians.
Tuesday, April 1st – Katherine Dienes-Williams (Guildford Cathedral)
Modern Anglican Music – From Howells to Leighton
Conclude the series with a look at the modern era, starting with the innovative contributions of Howells and Leighton.
The Keene Lectures discuss contemporary theological issues and are delivered annually in Chelmsford Cathedral. They take their name from John Henry Keene, a prominent citizen of Chelmsford, in whose memory a fund was established to bring distinguished speakers to Chelmsford for this purpose.
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to delve into the melodies that have shaped Anglican worship and inspired generations.
About Katherine Dienes-Williams
Katherine Dienes-Williams, MA, BMus, FRCO, LTCL, Hon. FRSCM, Hon. FGCM was appointed Organist and Master of the Choristers at Guildford Cathedral in January 2008 following six years as Director of Music at the Collegiate Church of St. Mary, Warwick. In May 2022 she was appointed the first ever female President of the Cathedral Organists’ Association.
Katherine was born and educated in Wellington, New Zealand, where she was Organ Scholar at Wellington Cathedral from 1988 to 1991 when she was appointed Assistant Organist.
Katherine came to England in 1991 to take up the post of Organ Scholar at Winchester Cathedral and Assistant Organist at Winchester College. She has held posts as Organist and Assistant Director of Music at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King, Liverpool, Assistant Organist and Director of the Cathedral Girls’ Choir at Norwich Cathedral and Director of Music at the Collegiate Church of St. Mary, Warwick.
She is Chair of the Royal College of Organists, a trustee of the Organists Charitable trust and YOST (Young Organ Scholars Trust) and is regularly asked to be a guest choral workshop leader for the Royal School of Church Music in the UK, South Africa, the USA, Canada, and Australia. Katherine is also a Patron of the Society of Women Organists. She has given several organ recitals in the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Germany, U.S.A., Bermuda, the Netherlands, South Africa, Australia, Spain, and Singapore. She has performed as organ soloist with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, the Hallé, the City of London Sinfonia, Southern Pro Musica, and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.
Katherine holds a Master of Arts in Music and Liturgy from Leeds University. She features both as organist and choral conductor on several recordings. She is in demand as a choral workshop leader in the UK, the USA, and several other European countries. She co-directed a Rodolfus Foundation senior choral course in summer 2024. Forthcoming engagements include directing a Rodolfus Foundation senior course in summer 2025 as well as an Oundle for Organists course.
Other interests include languages (her BA is in French and German), travel, reading and fitness. She is a Knight of the Grand Order of Vitéz and a Knight of the Order of St. Ladislau (Hungary).