Christopher Stokes was appointed Organist & Master of the Choristers of Manchester Cathedral in 1996, having previously been appointed Organist of the Cathedral in 1992. Previously he held posts in London as Organist & Master of Music at St. Martin-in-the-Fields and Director of Music at St. Margaret’s.
Whilst in London, Christopher was professor of organ at Trinity College of Music from 1976-1992, where he also studied from 1972-1976. He was invited to become Head of Organ Studies at Chetham’s School of Music in 1994.
As a conductor in London, he directed the professional choirs for services at St. Martin’s and St. Margaret’s and also founded The Baroque Soloists of St Martin-in-the-Fields. In Manchester he directs the Cathedral Choir, which, in addition to the essential Opus Dei, sings for regular television and radio broadcasts and has recorded a number of CDs, which have received critical acclaim. He has also conducted Manchester Camerata and the Northern Chamber Orchestra on many occasions.
Christopher is also one of the regular directors/organists for Daily Service on BBC Radio 4 and has directed and played for many BBC TV Songs of Praise recordings.
As a soloist, Christopher has performed extensively both in the UK and abroad. In 1997 he was the first to record on the Marcussen organ in Manchester’s new Bridgewater Hall with the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra. He has appeared as concerto soloist with numerous orchestras including Manchester Camerata, the Northern Chamber Orchestra and the Orchestra of the Golden Age.
As a continuo player, Christopher has always been busy. He has performed, toured, broadcast and recorded with most of Britain’s leading orchestras and has also performed and recorded with the Salzburg Bach-Chor and the German Radio Choir. He has served as a Council Member of the Royal College of Organists and was the Artistic Director of the College’s Performer of the Year 2000 competition.
