Stanley J. Thurston

Stanley J. Thurston holds the title of artist-in-residence at Washington National Cathedral, joining the Cathedral in this advisory role to enhance the Cathedral’s special liturgies as well as services of national importance.

Thurston is well known as a classically trained pianist, composer, and arranger of extraordinary range and depth. He has also appeared as conductor for such venues as NBC’s Today Show, Carnegie Hall, and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts with notable artists including Denyce Graves, Kathleen Battle, the Canadian Brass, and Wynton Marsalis. Those who attended the 2009 Presidential Inaugural Prayer Service at the Cathedral heard him conduct a special musical tribute that he was commissioned to compose for that occasion.

In addition to his work at Washington National Cathedral, Thurston serves as director of music ministries at historic Foundry United Methodist Church in Washington. He is also artistic director for the Heritage Signature Chorale as well as the artistic director of Washington Performing Arts Society Choirs, in which capacity he first became known to the Cathedral community.