Church music has been at the heart of Christian worship for centuries, lifting hearts and souls in praise to God and enriching our faith through sacred song. So we were delighted to see Dr Andrew Padmore BEM, a regular organist at St Laurence's Church, Ludlow, receive the Fellowship of the Royal School of Church Music – one of the highest honours in church music, recognised for his outstanding contribution to our Christian heritage.
Andrew has deep roots in our diocese; he grew up in Bockleton near Tenbury Wells and was educated at Leominster Grammar School. After a distinguished career that took him across the country and around the world, he returned to Ludlow last year following his retirement from Yorkshire.
His musical journey has been truly extraordinary. Beginning as a teacher and rising to become Head of Music at Dudley Grammar School, Dr Padmore went on to serve as a Cathedral Organist before establishing himself as an internationally renowned conductor of choirs and orchestras from 1989 onwards. His expertise has also been shared through teaching singing at conservatoires and examining for the Royal Schools of Music.
The breadth of his contributions to music has been recognised through honorary doctorates and fellowships from universities and musical institutions both in the United Kingdom and internationally. His service was further acknowledged in His Majesty The King's first Birthday Honours in 2023, when he received the Medal of the Order of the British Empire.
The Fellowship of the Royal School of Church Music represents the pinnacle of recognition in sacred music, awarded 'for achievements in church music and/or liturgy of international significance'. Dr Padmore's fellowship has been granted 'in recognition of outstanding and dedicated service to church music' – a testament to his lifelong commitment to this sacred calling.
Speaking about the honour, Dr Padmore reflected: "For decades I have slogged on with a freelance music career, assuming that my work as a Church Musician and Director of Music in a couple of Cathedrals had gone virtually unnoticed, but this prestigious award has come as a great surprise and is hugely encouraging. Church music is my number one passion, and to be recognised among the elite by the Royal School of Church music is a truly great honour."
The award will be formally presented during the RSCM Celebration Day at Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford, this October.
We give thanks for Dr Padmore's ministry through music and his continued service to our diocese at St Laurence's Church, Ludlow. His achievement reflects not only personal excellence but also the rich musical heritage that continues to flourish here in churches and schools across our diocese.