Biography

British organist and choral conductor Edward Hewes is the Associate Organist of Washington National Cathedral. 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 commenced organ studies with GRAMMY award-winning organist, Paul Jacobs at the Juilliard School, New York City. In addition to solo recital and ensemble performances, he maintains a busy schedule as a church and synagogue musician. He has held positions at some of the most pre-eminent liturgical institutions in the city, including the Church of the Resurrection, Manhattan, Park Avenue Synagogue, The Church of the Brooklyn Oratory, and most recently Organist of the Co-Cathedral of Saint Joseph, Brooklyn.

Mr. Hewes, a Fellow of the Royal College of Organists, holds the position of Associate Organist of Washington National Cathedral, where he is responsible for playing for services and conducting the cathedral choirs. In addition to his work at the Cathedral, he maintains a busy schedule as both a choral conductor and concert organist, frequently conducting the Choir of the School of Sacred Music, Manhattan, and performing organ recitals.

His teachers have included Charles Harrison, Clive Driskill-Smith, Colin Walsh, and Peter Wright, and Paul Jacobs. He is represented in North America by Seven Eight Artists.