Biography

British organist and choral conductor Edward Hewes is the Organist of the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph, Brooklyn. He began his musical education at the age of 7 as a chorister at Lincoln Cathedral under the direction of Colin Walsh. After completing his sixth form studies at Lincoln Minster School, he held the Organ Scholarship at Canterbury Cathedral before starting his undergraduate studies at the Royal Academy of Music in London.

From 2013 to 2016, he served as the Director of Music at St Silas the Martyr in Kentish Town in London, where he significantly developed the music program and established a professional choir. Between 2016 and 2018, he was the Organ Scholar at Southwark Cathedral, and in his final term, he served as the acting Assistant Director of Music. During this time, he played the famous Lewis organ for daily statutory services and services of national importance, frequently accompanying and conducting the Cathedral Choir. He also performed live on BBC Radio 3 and ITV Television.

In October 2018, he assumed the role of Assistant Master of the Music at St. Dominic’s Priory in Hampstead, a position he held for two years. There, he played the thrilling “Father” Henry Willis organ, widely regarded as one of the finest organs in the country. 

In September 2020, he relocated to New York City to pursue organ studies with Paul Jacobs at the Juilliard School. In addition to solo recital and ensemble performances, he maintains a busy schedule as a church and synagogue musician. 

Mr. Hewes, a Fellow of the Royal College of Organists, currently serves as the Organist to the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph, Brooklyn, where he enjoys the 1915 Mollër/Perregalo organ, playing for services and curating the organ concert series. His teachers have included Charles Harrison, Clive Driskill-Smith, Colin Walsh, Peter Wright, and Paul Jacobs. He is particularly recognized for his skill in organ improvisation, which frequently features in his concert programs.