Richard Webster was named Organist and Choirmaster Emeritus of the Parish Church of Saint Luke

Richard Webster was named Organist and Choirmaster Emeritus of the Parish Church of Saint Luke, Evanston, Illinois, celebrating the conclusion of his 31 years of service to the parish. Appointed assistant organist in 1972 at the age of 19 by his predecessor Karel Paukert, Mr. Webster succeeded Dr. Paukert as organist and choirmaster in 1974. During his tenure Mr. Webster directed the St. Luke’s Choir of Men and Boys, and founded and directed the Girls Choir, Adult Schola and the St. Luke’s Singers. Under his leadership the choirs have released six critically acclaimed recordings, made seven tours of Britain, appeared in Robert Altman’s film A Wedding, and were broadcast on BBC’s Choral Evensong and Songs of Praise. The 1998 restoration of the world-famous 1922 E. M. Skinner organ in St. Luke’s took place under his direction and is dedicated in thanksgiving for his ministry. JAV Recordings made the first solo compact disc on the restored organ with Mr. Webster as the artist.
With works published by Augsburg Fortress, Selah, Church Publishing, andthe Church Music Society, Mr. Webster is the President of Advent Press, the principal publisher of his music. The company’s premiere compact disc Fanfare! has been hailed as setting a new standard for church music. His recent commissions include two hymn arrangements with brass and percussion for the opening service of the 2002 AGO national convention in Philadelphia, as well as choral and instrumental works for St. Bartholomew’s Church, Atlanta; Calvary Baptist Church, Waco, Texas; and the Chicago Temple. Further information on his works is available online at .
Mr. Webster is the musical director of the Bach Week Festival in Evanston, and Lecturer in Church Music at Northwestern University. Much sought after as a choral clinician and recitalist, he frequently appears with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, performing the Saint-Saëns Organ Symphony with them at the 2003 Ravinia Festival. As organ soloist on the recently released Pittsburgh Symphony Brass recording, The Spirit of Christmas, the disc features two of his hymn arrangements. He is past president of the Association of Anglican Musicians and is active with the RSCM in America Training Courses Committee.