Alumnus Michael Harris awarded MBE

© University of Oxford Images / John Cairns Photography

Alumnus Michael Harris (St Peter's College, 1977) has been appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the New Year Honours list for his services to music. Alongside his degree, Michael was Organ Scholar at St Peter's College. He went on to complete further study at the Royal College of Music before holding posts as Sub-Organist at Leeds Parish Church and Assistant Organist at Canterbury Cathedral. From 1996 until his retirement on 31 December 2024, Michael was the Organist and Master of Music at St Giles' Cathedral in Edinburgh. During his tenure, Michael was involved in many events of historical and royal significance, such as services to mark the return of the Stone of Destiny to Scotland in 1996 and the opening of the Scottish Parliament in 1999, as well services of thanksgiving for the life of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022 and to mark the coronation of the King and Queen in 2023. Whilst at St Giles' Michael gave many recitals on the Rieger organ and was involved in numerous recordings and broadcasts for TV and radio. He also worked as a Lecturer in Music at Edinburgh Napier University, supervising final year performance students and directing the University Chamber Choir.