Musical director celebrates 30 years' service to Rochdale

Philip Lowe, director of music at Rochdale Parish Church

Philip Lowe, director of music at Rochdale Parish Church, has completed 30 years' dedicated service as organist and choirmaster.

Since 1990, Philip has played the organ for some 2,000 services, including many town civic and ceremonial events at Rochdale Town Hall. Some highlights including playing for Queen Elizabeth II when she visited St Chad's in 1994, numerous television and radio broadcasts, hosting concerts for new and existing musical talent, and the refurbishment of the church ancient pipe organ.

Churchwarden Paul Bollington congratulated Philip on his anniversary and his 'exceptional leadership of the town's beautiful church choir'.

He praised Philip's musical writing skills, many of his anthems have been sung at St Chad's, 'and very well received too'.

Philip said: "It's a pleasure to provide music that people appreciate, even during these current difficult times. We hope sometime soon our choir will be able to sing so sweetly once more."