June Nixon
Helena June Rose Nixon (born 1942) is an Australian organist, choir trainer, and composer.
Biography
[edit]June Nixon began her musical training at an early age, before studying piano and organ at the University of Melbourne. Post graduate scholarships enabled further study abroad, where she gained fellowship of the Royal College of Organists (FRCO) and became the first woman to receive the John Brooke prize for the Choirtraining Diploma.[1]
In 1973, she was appointed organist and Director of Music at St. Paul's Cathedral in Melbourne, a position she held for 40 years until her retirement in 2013. On retirement, she was appointed Organist Emerita.[2]
She was a consultant for the restoration of the T.C. Lewis organ in St. Paul’s Cathedral,[3] and was a member of the steering committee for the restoration of the Hill organ in the Melbourne Town Hall.[4]
Nixon has been recognised worldwide for her contributions to church music in Australia and among several awards are:
- 1995 – Percy Jones Award for “Outstanding dedication and service given to music for worship” from the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne
- 1998 – Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the General Division in the Queen's Birthday Honours.
- 1999 – The Lambeth Degree, Doctor of Music (Cantuar) conferred on her by the Archbishop of Canterbury.
Throughout her career, she has trained and mentored many young musicians and continues to be an important figure in the Australian music community.
Nixon has recorded several albums of organ and choral music. Some of her notable recordings include “Grand music for great occasions,” “Elgar Organ Sonatas,” “Jubilaum,” (organ music of Ronald Watson,) “A tribute to Herbert Sumsion,” and “Christmas Eve at St. Paul’s Cathedral.”
She is a widely published composer, including more than 150 works for organ and choir.
References
[edit]- ^ "June Nixon : Represented Artist Profile : Australian Music Centre". www.australianmusiccentre.com.au. Retrieved 2023-01-26.
- ^ "Music Staff • St Paul's Cathedral Melbourne". St Paul's Cathedral Melbourne. 25 February 2016. Retrieved 2023-01-26.
- ^ "St Paul's Cathedral, Melbourne". ohta.org.au. Retrieved 2023-01-26.
- ^ "MELBOURNE TOWN HALL". ohta.org.au. Retrieved 2023-01-26.
