Michael McCarthy

b. 1955

Michael McCarthy, in the summer of 2003, was appointed the Washington National Cathedral director of music. As director of music Michael oversees the Cathedral's expanding music program, as well as serves as principal choirmaster. He is also editor of the Washington National Cathedral Choral Series published by MorningStar Music Publishers.

Michael was the founder and director of the London [England] Oratory School Schola. Founded in 1996, the Schola quickly became one of London's premier boys' concert choirs, performing regularly on the London concert platform and in the studio for both the recording and film industries. Michael directed the Schola in recordings for films including Sleepy Hollow, The Lord of the Rings cycle, and Harry Potter.

A graduate of Guildhall School of Music and Drama, Michael has worked with numerous professional choirs including the Sixteen, the Gabrieli Consort, and the Monteverdi Choir under the direction of Sir John Eliot Gardiner. In January 2002 he became the choir manager for the Monteverdi Choir. His experience directing young choristers includes duties as lay clerk at Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford, and Saint Alban's Abbey in Hertfordshire. He also served as master of music at Saint Benedict's Abbey, Ealing, prior to beginning the London Oratory School.