This summer marked the arrival of the Cathedral’s new Music Director, as we were blessed to welcome Andrew Meagher in this role. Andrew brings with him over 25 years of experience, a broad range of musical talent, and a heart for using his gift to bring others closer to Christ.
Coming to us from Detroit, Andrew and his wife, Katharine, share a deep love for music. Andrew met Katharine, an accomplished vocalist, while they were students at the University of Michigan.
“I cannot imagine our marriage without music,” Andrew says. “In addition to our work together in church, I am also her pianist vocal coach for opera and other non-sacred repertoire. We have presented many recitals together and I have helped prepare her for opera performances.”
Andrew traces his musical experiences back to the fourth grade when he first took viola lessons.
“The class I was in was so bad that the teacher would not allow us to play in the concert,” Andrew laughs. “That same year, I began keyboard lessons and found that I had more of a knack for this instrument.”
Andrew went on to earn his undergraduate degree in piano, followed by a Master’s in organ performance from Bowling Green State University and a doctorate from the University of Michigan. Andrew continues to grow and expand his musical talents through voice lessons. With this broad background in sacred music, Andrew came to the Cathedral.
“It has always been a dream to be a cathedral musician,” he says. “I was drawn to St. Joseph by the beautiful renovation of the building and strong commitment to music on the part of Bishop McKnight as well as the clergy and congregation.”
Andrew is looking forward to the new organ that will be installed at the Cathedral and the opportunity he will have to share his gift with the parish through it. Sacred music is both a gift that Andrew shares and a way for him to enter more deeply into prayer.
“The saying ‘to sing is to pray twice’ is often attributed to St. Augustine, and I believe that music has helped my prayer become more powerful and fervent,” Andrew says.
While music is both a passion for Andrew and his life’s work, it’s the people that he works with and serves that are at the forefront.
“The greatest joy in my job comes from helping people in need and celebrating their joys,” Andrew says. “A church is not a building — a church is a PEOPLE! I try to never lose track of the fact that I am serving God’s people and using music to help bring them closer to Him.”