Richard Prothero

From Wellington Cathedral of St Paul

Director of Music pro tem, 1981-1982

Richard Prothero was educated at Kings’ College, Auckland, where he had his first organ lessons, and he later became Deputy Organist at St Mark’s Church, Remuera.

He then studied at the Guildhall School of Music, London, with Harold Dexter of Southwark Cathedral, and was organist at St James’ Norlands, Holland Park.

Since then he has held a number of church music appointments including Christ Church, Wanganui (where he was one of Dame Gillian Weir’s first teachers), Conductor of the Wanganui Choral & Orchestral Society, and music critic for the Wanganui Herald. He then went to St Matthews-in-the-City, Auckland, and whilst continuing his career in international insurance in London, was organist at St Mary’s, Thames Ditton, Surrey.

At St Paul's Cathedral, Wellington, Richard was Assistant Director of Music for many years and, at one stage, interregnum Director for eighteen months. The Organ Scholarship is in his name, and he established the Cathedral Voices - which he directs. He was also Peoples’ Churchwarden, Dean’s Churchwarden, a Trustee, Chairman of the Finance Committee, and a Nominator. In 2001 he was installed by the Bishop as a Lay Canon-in-Residence. Later, he was awarded the Bishop’s Medal for services to Wellington Cathedral.

He was subsequently Director of Music at St James’ Church, Lower Hutt.

He has attended Royal School of Church Music courses at Addington Palace, was the Wellington Area Representative for thirty years, and subsequently became Branch Chairman. He is now a Special Commissioner, participating in RSCM events as an examiner, director, or organist.

He is a Registered Teacher of Piano, Organ, Singing, and Theory and is Past President of the Auckland, Wellington, and New Zealand Organists’ Associations.