Trinity Episcopal Cathedral Announces New Director of Music
May 20, 2016
LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas (May 20, 2016) – Mrs. Victoria Harden has been named Director of Music at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral. Victoria has served as Interim Director since January. After a nationwide search process, Victoria has been named the permanent Director of Music.
Victoria Mathis Harden began studying piano at age 8 and organ at the age of 14, taking lessons from Fletcher Trotter at First Methodist Church, Camden, AR. Two years later she began her organ studies at Henderson State University with Robert Ellis where she continued until 1972 when she received her Bachelor of Music degree, graduating magna cum laude with a concentration in organ performance. Harden then attended North Texas State University and Memphis State University to earn a Masters of Music in organ performance and a Masters of Art in musicology. During these years she served as organist-choirmaster at St. John’s Episcopal Church, Camden, Westminster Presbyterian Church, Hot Springs and associate organist at St. Michael’s and All Angels Episcopal Church, Dallas. Organ positions in Memphis included Barth house Episcopal Chaplaincy, Christ Church Episcopal, and guest organist at St. Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral.
After moving to New York City in 1977, Harden played at St. Peter’s Church, St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church, and held the organist-choirmaster position at Bedford Park Presbyterian Church. While pursuing a doctoral pedagogy degree at Columbia University Teacher’s College, Harden was one of 35 professional choir members at St. Bartholomew’s Church where she met and married her husband, Shelton. Upon returning to Arkansas in the 1990s, Harden taught at Southern Arkansas University, Southern Arkansas University Technical Branch, and in 2001 became the music faculty at South Arkansas Community College. During these years she has served as organist-choirmaster of First Presbyterian Church and St. John’s Episcopal Church, Camden. The Very Rev. Dr. Christoph Keller, Dean and Rector of Trinity says of Victoria, “I am deeply pleased to announce that Victoria Harden has accepted appointment as Director of Music at the Cathedral. Victoria is musically gifted, a dynamic leader who combines love of the tradition with flair for innovation, and a delight to work with. Already, she has begun a lively choir program for our children. Her energy is contagious! Under Victoria’s leadership, we expect to expand and grow the Cathedral musically as a means to spiritually enrich our musicians, parishioners, diocese, and city.”
Of this appointment, Victoria says, “I am honored to be selected for the position of Director of Music at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral. This is a dream come true. Since I joined the staff as Interim Music Director in January, the members and staff of the Cathedral have welcomed and supported me. It is truly a joy to be around so many gifted, talented, and spiritual people. I am thankful for our excellent clergy and staff, the wonderful choirs, the beautiful bell ringing, the 4 manual organ, and the enthusiastic congregation. My goal is to lead with spiritual music of the highest quality which enhances the worship experience as we praise God with the best of our abilities.”
Trinity Episcopal Cathedral is a house of prayer for all people. As always, any and all are invited.