- Preston, James M
[E] Preston, James M., organist and con-
ductor, born at Gateshead-on-Tyne, July 14,
1860. At an early age he studied violin and
pf. under his father, Stephen E. Preston, a
musician of repute, and when thirteen was
placed under Lindsay Sloper, in London. Iq
1875, he was appointed organist of St. Joseph's
Roman Catholic Church, Gateshead, where
he remained six years, diligently working at
the organ. Entered the Guildhall School of
Music in 1881. and studied under Dr. Stainer.
In 1883, succeeded the late Mr. Robert Potts,
as organist of St. Thomas', Newcastle-on-
Tyne, and in 1888 was appointed to St.
George's, Jesmoud, a post he still holds. In
1891 he began to give organ recitals there, on
Sunday evenings ; he has also played at St.
George's Hall, Liverpool, and elsewhere, and
ranks among the foremost organists of the
day. He is also a pianist, and has been
connected with the Newcastle Chamber Music
Society for years. He is conductor of the
Newcastle and Gateshead Choral Union,
which has more than a local reputation, and
has given many important concerts. Of his
compositions, but few are yet published. A[+] Festival Chorus was performed in Newcastle
Town Hall, October, 1895.entry id: 327-R-38
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