Simon Johnson appointment officially announced

Westminster Cathedral today formally announced the appointment of Simon Johnson as its new Master of Music, as this blog yesterday reported would be the case. 

Simon Johnson conducting at St Paul's Cathedral. Ⓒ Priory of England and the Islands 

Mr Johnson has excellent credentials and experience, and is highly respected amongst his peers. St Paul's Cathedral's loss is certainly Westminster Cathedral's gain.  

He was organist on this fabulous recording of German Choral and Organ Music from St Alban's Abbey:

Mr Johnson will have his work cut out: according to a dizzying number of reports, Westminster Cathedral has been a hostile place for its musicians over the last few years. The Cardinal, Vincent Nichols, has not even had the good grace to thank the previous Master of Music, Martin Baker, for his 20 years of service. The Society certainly hopes that the incoming Master of Music does not meet a similar fate!