Christopher J. Kent
BMus MMus PhD FRCO ARMCM FSA

Christopher Kent (Ph.D., M.Mus., F.R.C.O., F.S.A.) read music at the University of Manchester and historical musicology at King’s College, London.

After completing a Ph.D. on Elgar’s sketches he continued organ and harpsichord studies with Susi Jeans and Gustav Leonhardt prior to joining the Department of Music at the University of Reading where he established the first course in Organ Historiography for the training of organ advisers and researchers.

He has served as the Hon. Secretary of the British Institute of Organ Studies, as an Organ Adviser for the Dioceses of Oxford and Salisbury, and as a member of the Organs Advisory Committee of the Church Buildings Council.

As a performer he has given recitals throughout Britain, and in Croatia, France, Italy, Slovakia, South Africa and the U.S.A. His publications include articles for Grove’s Dictionary, Die Musik in Geschichte und Gegenwart, chapters in the Cambridge Guides to Elgar, the Organ, and recently, an Elgar Thematic Catalogue and Guide to Research.

His recordings include the 17th century Festorgel of the monastery of Klosterneuberg, Vienna, and of the new organ in the chapel of Bowood House, Wiltshire for which he was the adviser. He is a Liveryman of The Worshipful Company of Musicians.