A Transition in the Cathedral’s Music Leadership

After taking some time away from the Cathedral this summer, Mike McCarthy has decided to resign his position as Canon for Music.

I have been aware of Mike’s desire to explore new challenges for some time and after 20 years here, he feels this is the right moment.  He leaves with my immense gratitude for two decades of service, and prayers for his future as he pursues new creative challenges. 

The Cathedral music program is one of the greatest gifts the Cathedral offers the nation. Mike has been a steward of our cherished traditions, while adapting to cultural shifts and the events in our world with both creativity and artistic integrity. The music he and the Cathedral music department offered during the pandemic was a lifeline and a gift to countless people literally around the world.   

Over 20 years, Mike has created for our community majestic concerts, deeply moving special events, and innumerable Sunday services and Choral Evensongs. Mike has supported hundreds of choristers and musicians, who now share their talents with communities around the nation.  

I am also personally grateful to Mike for his willingness to share his insights and institutional wisdom that come with longevity of service, most recently in his role as Director of Institutional Planning. As we have adapted and grown into our second century, Mike consistently pushed us to think about things we might have overlooked; he has one foot planted firmly in the past and another bravely stepping out into an exciting future. 

Our music program will be led ably by Tom Sheehan as Cathedral Organist & Interim Director of Music, and Erin Hanke, who will support Tom and the music team as Director of Music Operations. I am grateful to Tom and Erin for their willingness to assume these additional leadership responsibilities during this critical transition.  We plan to use the next year to discern what kind of leadership the Cathedral requires to continue to support and develop a thriving music program. We will launch a search for a permanent Canon for Music in the fall of 2025. One thing is certain: Worship and Music will continue to be the core of this Cathedral’s ministry, and I am excited to see the musical magic that the Cathedral’s strong music team will offer us in the year ahead.  

I hope you will join me in praying for God’s blessings on Mike and his family as he enters the next chapter of his career.