A Bright Future for the Music Department!

We’re delighted to announce not one, but two new appointments in the Music Department. James Bowstead, who has been Interim Director of Music since January, will take up the role of Director of Music at the cathedral from September this year. James came to us as Assistant Director of Music just five years ago, and during that time has proved himself to be not only a first-rate musician but also, over the past six months, an inspiring leader of the Music Department.

As James takes up his new role, he will be joined by Alana Brook as Assistant Director. Alana has become well known to the cathedral community over the past six months as she has frequently been ‘loaned’ to us by Lincoln Cathedral on Sundays and on other special occasions. Alana is currently Assistant Organist at Lincoln, but prior to that was organ scholar at Ripon Cathedral, so she knows the Diocese of Leeds well.

“Over the past five years, I’ve developed a deep affection both for the cathedral and for the city of Wakefield,” says James. “I’m honoured to have been offered the opportunity to lead the music department going forward, and I’m really excited for what the future holds. Having worked extensively with Alana over the last few months, I’m certain that she will make an excellent addition to the department, and I look forward to working with her more closely from September.”

Alana adds “I am delighted to have been offered the role of Assistant Director of Music at Wakefield Cathedral. It has been great getting to know the choir and cathedral community over the past six months, and I am looking forward to being fully immersed in cathedral life from September.”

Commenting on the two appointments, Dean Simon said, “I am absolutely thrilled that James and Alana will be heading up our wonderful Music Department from September. James has been a superb colleague for five years and I know that the Music Department will be in safe and very capable hands during the next stage of its development; and, having enjoyed Alana’s musicianship over the past few months, we now look forward to welcoming her to the cathedral community as she takes up a permanent role here.”