Nathan Ferrell, Rector of the Episcopal Church of Saint Mary in Falmouth, Maine, has announced that James Kennerley will serve as the church’s Music Minister beginning in September. Mr. Kennerley is known worldwide as an inspiring and multifaceted musician, working as a keyboardist, singer, conductor, and composer.

Working with choirs over the past 17 years in the US, he has garnered praise for his exciting concerts and sensitive liturgical music. As an organist, his artistry is known for thrilling virtuosity, subtlety and finesse.

“It is fantastic to be able to work with James,” stated Father Ferrell. “Music has been a vital component of the Anglican tradition since the first day that St. Augustine of Canterbury brought the Gospel to England in 597 AD. With James’ vast talents and creative skill, we will continue to demonstrate the power of the liturgical Christian tradition to change hearts and lives.”

“I’m thrilled the join the inspiring and vibrant community in Falmouth, which will serve as the perfect partnership to my work as Municipal Organist of Portland”, James Kennerley said. “I have loved Maine since my first visit in 2015 and have always admired Saint Mary’s excellent reputation for liturgy and music.”

Appointed as Municipal Organist of Portland in 2017, Mr. Kennerley has been a strong presence in Cumberland County, performing concerts throughout the year at Merrill Auditorium on the historic Kotzschmar Organ.

Based in Boston since 2019, he is looking forward to spending more time with his family in Maine. Mr. Kennerley, a native of the United Kingdom, holds degrees from Cambridge University and The Juilliard School. Working with choirs has been the singular purpose of his career since beginning as a boy chorister at Chelmsford Cathedral, UK, continuing as Organ Scholar at Jesus College, Cambridge then Saint Paul’s Cathedral, London, and serving as Music Director at three influential Episcopal churches in the New York and Connecticut, and most recently at St. Paul’s Choir School and Parish, Harvard Square. His work as a conductor ranges from directing Early Music and performing from the harpsichord, to symphonic repertoire and contemporary music. As a prizewinning organist and composer, Mr. Kennerley is particularly well suited to the incredible music tradition of the Anglican church world.

For more information on Mr. Kennerley’s extensive background, please go to: https://www.jameskennerley.com/

The Episcopal Church of Saint Mary, located at 43 Foreside Road in Falmouth, Maine, and part of the Episcopal Diocese of Maine, seeks to serve Christ in all people with love and compassion. The website is: https://www.smary.org/

Janet Bowne, jmitchellbowne@gmail.com