John A. Romeri has been appointed the first director of music ministries for the new Christ Cathedral, the cathedral of the Catholic Diocese of Orange, California. Romeri most recently served as director of liturgical music for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and director of music and organist for that city’s Cathedral Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul, from 2010–2015. From 1992–2010, he was director of music and organist for the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri. He has also held church and university positions in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Romeri will lead the development of the cathedral parish’s music program as well as the liturgical music program for the major diocesan celebrations in the cathedral after its renovation and dedication.
Christ Cathedral was formerly known as the Crystal Cathedral. Its music program will include choral groups in several languages and ensembles, and a concert and recital program will be instituted as well. Romeri earned a Bachelor of Music degree from the Conservatory of Music, University of the Pacific, Stockton, California, and a Master of Sacred Music degree from Westminster Choir College, Princeton, New Jersey. In 1998, he was presented an honorary doctorate in humane letters from Lindenwood University, St. Louis. He has served as chair of the national board of directors of the National Association of Pastoral Musicians and was named that organization’s “Pastoral Musician of the Year” in 2003.
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