Your Music Team
Paul Chan
Cathedral Organist
Paul is one of the country's leading organists with a magic combination of virtuoso keyboard skills, a big repertoire of music and a wonderful improviser. All of these qualities he has used with imagination and flair while serving as Director of Music for five years at St Matthew-in-the-City, Auckland.
Paul received his first musical training in Hong Kong from a young age and has recorded for Radio Television Hong Kong with his prize-winning performance. A former organ scholar of Auckland's Holy Trinity Cathedral, Paul earned his postgraduate qualifications in music from the University of Waikato and the University of Auckland, in addition to a number of music diplomas from the Royal Schools of Music and the Royal College of Organists. He was awarded a fellowship diploma in organ by Trinity College London in 2018.
He has performed Saint-Saëns' "Organ" Symphony with St Matthew's Chamber Orchestra and given numerous organ recitals, including two at Auckland Town Hall, one of which includes his improvisation on the National Anthem "God Defend New Zealand". His students from King’s College have responded to his lively teaching and are high achievers in organ exams. During his time in Auckland, he has also served at St Andrew's First Presbyterian Church for more than a decade. Before moving to Nelson, he was a trustee of the Auckland Town Hall Organ Trust and has served in the committee of the Auckland Organ Association.
He was appointed Organist at Christ Church Cathedral Nelson in November 2021.
Nigel Weeks QSM
Cathedral Choral Director
Nigel originates from Wales and was appointed Musical Director of the Continental Airlines Auckland Brass Band in 1994 which began a very successful career in both the concert and contest arenas. The band under his direction won five New Zealand and three Australian titles. From 2014-17 Nigel was the Musical Director of the NZ National Band who were runners up at the World Championships in the Netherlands.
Nigel is an experienced music educator and has worked as Director of Music at Manurewa High School, King's College and Macleans College Auckland where under Nigel’s guidance the music department became one of the most successful in NZ, winning awards for their chamber orchestra, orchestra and concert band; all three groups being directed by him. In 2016, Nigel moved to Nelson to take up the position of Head of Music and Performing Arts at Nayland College and Musical Director of NBS Nelson City Brass Band. Since joining the brass band he has led them to three national championships and subsequent promotion to ‘A’ Grade. He has been in demand in Nelson conducting the Symphony Orchestra, Civic Choir and the Male Voice Choir and as many of you will know, Nigel has been a member of our Cathedral Choir.
Nigel holds a Master of Arts (Conducting) from the University of Salford and in 2019 was awarded the QSM for his work in music, particularly with young people and non-auditioned choirs.
He was appointed Choral Director at Christ Church Cathedral Nelson in July 2022.