Biography:
Ian Shaw – Organist, Pianist, Composer, and Music Director
Ian Shaw is an accomplished organist, pianist, composer, and music director with extensive experience in cathedral, parish, and concert music. Holding an MA and the FRCO diploma, he combines expertise in sacred music with a vibrant freelance career performing, composing, and directing across the UK and internationally. Ian is known for his versatility in organ and piano performance, choral direction, and contemporary composition.
He studied at Cambridge University, where he was Organ Scholar of St John’s College, and furthered his sacred music training as a John Stewart of Rannoch Scholar at the Sweelinck Conservatorium, Amsterdam, and at Goldsmiths College, London. He has held key positions including Sub-Organist at Durham Cathedral and Director of Music at St Peter’s, Eaton Square, leading choirs and ensembles while performing regularly as organist and pianist.
As a pianist, Ian has collaborated with leading companies including Opera North, Northern Ballet Theatre, English National Opera, the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, and Scottish Opera, appearing on eleven national tours. He has also served as repetiteur for Music Theatre Wales, including the acclaimed production of Mark-Anthony Turnage’s Greek, which won the 2011 Theatre Award UK for Outstanding Achievement in Opera.
Ian is also a celebrated composer, with works including the song cycle A Breath of Nothing for soprano Rebecca Bottone and commissions for Magdalen College, Oxford. His compositions have been described as “redoubtable” by The Scotsman, reflecting a unique blend of technical skill, creativity, and wit.
Alongside performing and composing, Ian is committed to music education and masterclasses, sharing his expertise in organ and piano, sacred and contemporary music with students and ensembles. His career bridges cathedral music, concert performance, and contemporary composition, establishing him as one of the most versatile and respected musicians of his generation.
Program:
TBC
Find us:
St John the Evangelist, Upper Norwood
Sylvan Road, SE19 2RX, London
Free Parking
Available on Auckland Road, Sylvan Road, and the surrounding areas.
Public Transport
Bus Routes: 249, 410, SL6, N68, 196
Closest Train Station: Crystal Palace (approximately 0.6 miles away)
Contact Us
Any questions? Please visit our Contact Page or email us at office@sjun.org.uk.