Our Musical Director
PHILIP PRIOR M.A (Choral), B.Ed (Hons), A.T.C.L (Organ Recital)
Philip Prior, is a freelance professional musician and teacher. He has been Director of Music at St James the Great, East Hill, Colchester, since 2020, having previously been Director of Music at St Peter-ad-Vincula, Coggeshall for 15 years. Philip graduated from Anglia Ruskin University and taught in schools in Essex for 10 years. He was awarded a postgraduate MA in Choral Education from the University of Surrey Roehampton and also the Associateship of Trinity College London Organ Recital diploma.
Philip was delighted to be appointed as Musical Director of Harwich & Dovercourt Choral Society in January 2026. He has previously held posts as Musical Director to both Braintree and Halstead Choral Societies, Assistant Musical Director of the London Cantata Choir and, from 2018-2025 was the President of the Essex Organists’ Association.
Philip also conducts his own chamber choir, Chorus ad Vincula, which sings as a visiting choir for cathedral services and other events throughout Britain several times each year. Since 2025, he has been accompanist to Billericay Choral Society, and is also a regular supporting organist and singer for choral services at Chelmsford Cathedral and accompanies visiting choirs in other cathedrals, when needed.
