St Peter’s College is delighted to congratulate alumnus Michael Harris (Music, 1977), who has been appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the New Year Honours list for his services to music.
Michael said,
‘I was very honoured to receive news of the MBE in recognition of services to music; it has been a privilege to serve the music at St Giles' Cathedral for the past 28 years, somewhere which has for centuries been at the centre of Scotland's national life.’
During his studies, Michael was Organ Scholar at St Peter’s, a post which, at the time, included responsibility for leading the College Choir during Chapel services. Michael then studied at the Royal College of Music, later holding posts as Sub-Organist at Leeds Parish Church and Assistant Organist at Canterbury Cathedral. From 1996 until retiring at the end of 2024, Michael was the Organist and Master of Music at St Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh. At St Giles’, Michael was involved in many events of historical and royal significance, such as services to mark the return of the Stone of Destiny to Scotland in 1996 and the opening of the Scottish Parliament in 1999, as well services of thanksgiving for the life of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022 and marking the coronation of the King and Queen in 2023. Michael also gave many recitals on the Rieger organ at St Giles’ and was involved in numerous recordings and broadcasts for TV and radio. He also worked as Lecturer in Music at Edinburgh Napier University, supervising final-year performance students and directing the University Chamber Choir.
Thanks to Laura Howorth for providing the above biographical notes, which have been edited for use in this post.