After a thorough search process, it is my pleasure to announce we have called our next Organist and Choirmaster, Christian Schoen, to serve at Nativity.
We had many qualified candidates, and it was a difficult decision but ultimately Christian’s deep connection to the Episcopal Church, his passion for involving children in worship and music, and his excellent track record in the Church made him a perfect fit for Nativity.
He will be joining us in July after he and his family relocate from Michigan. I can’t wait to welcome them!
You can read more about Christian below:
Christian is moving to Raleigh from Port Huron, Michigan, with his husband Eduardo, their two sons, Xavier and Josiah, and their four dogs: Theodore Higgins, Gretel, Rowley, and Penny. He has been a church musician for over 30 years and has experience in a variety of worship styles. Christian is passionate about creating impactful musical experiences that praise the Lord, inspire listeners of all ages, and draw them closer to His word and teachings.
Mr. Schoen began studying the organ in 1993. After high school, Christian continued his studies in church music at the University of Michigan, Southern Methodist University, Capital University, and the University of Texas. Mr. Schoen has also had the privilege of studying the organ with Mary Preston, Concert Organist and Curator of the Meyerson Symphony Center Organ; Michael Murray, Telarc Recording Artist and protégé of Marcel Dupre; and Jens Korndoerfer, Concert Organist and protégé of Olivier Latry, Titular Organist at Notre Dame, Paris. Christian has performed organ recitals extensively throughout the United States and the United Kingdom.
As a choral conductor, Mr. Schoen has directed touring choirs to the United Kingdom and Ireland, with notable venues including Westminster Abbey, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Brecon Cathedral, Southwark Cathedral, Bath Abbey, Chester Cathedral, Christ Church Oxford, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and Hereford Cathedral. Christian also led the Dallas Frohsinn Singing Society, the oldest organized musical ensemble in Dallas, Texas, and performed with the Greater Dallas Youth Orchestra twice at the Meyerson Symphony Center.