The Dean of Westminster Abbey, the Very Revd Wesley Carr, has appointed a Roman Catholic to the prestigious post of organist and Master of the Choristers, at the world famous Anglican abbey. James O'Donnell, 38, currently musician at Westminster Cathedral (Roman Catholic) will be the first Roman Catholic to hold this post. Mr O'Donnell and his current choir have a reputation for excellence throughout church music circles.
This appointment comes following a controversy with the former organist, Martin Neary, who was dismissed by the Dean. Mr Neary appealed his dismissal to the courts and lost. The situation was the subject of much media attention in England.