Stephen Abbott began his musical training as a chorister in Salisbury Cathedral, under the inspirational direction of Richard Seal and Richard Shephard at cathedral and school respectively. Following sixth form at Bishop Wordsworth’s School, reading Music at London University and a teaching post in Northamptonshire, he returned to BWS, where he taught Music, directed the choir, and had responsibility for Lower School pastoral care, for over three decades. He has been a counter-tenor Lay Vicar at the cathedral since 1985, and now continues daily singing duties in the cathedral with directing the Cathedral Youth Choir, undertaking outreach work with La Folia, and singing with Sarum Six.
Ben Mills is now our accompanist for rehearsals and concerts. Benjamin Mills is the Organ Scholar at Salisbury Cathedral, where he regularly accompanies the Cathedral Choir and plays the world-renowned Father Willis organ. Having started singing as a chorister at St Mary Magdalene, Newark-on-Trent he became Organ Scholar at Southwell Minster before going to university. He read Music at Keble College, Oxford, where he was also Organ Scholar – here he accompanied the Chapel Choir on two BBC Radio 3 broadcasts and two discs to critical acclaim. After graduating in 2021, he moved to London to study at the Royal Academy of Music whilst also holding positions at St Mark’s, Hamilton Terrace and St Michael’s, Highgate.
An engaging and dynamic performer, Ben brings energy and vibrancy to all of his performances. He enjoys a wide variety of music, from Bach to Billy Joel and Duruflé to Queen. He holds the Fellowship of the Royal College of Organists and the Licentiate of the Royal Academy of Music.