Director of Music
Dr John Linker is Director of Music at Christ Church Transitional Cathedral (appointed 2014). Singing six choral services per week during term time, Christ Church Cathedral Choir is unique in New Zealand with its own choir school and maintains a standard of educational excellence on par with its British counterparts.
John has been Music Director Christchurch City Choir, Canterbury’s premiere symphonic choral ensemble, since 2016. The City Choir, committed to the highest artistic excellence delivering innovative and imaginitive programming, performs four major concerts per year, often with Christchurch Symphony Orchestra and with internationally acclamed soloists, as well as smaller community events.
Born and raised in Illinois, USA, John was a chorister in his family’s church and was playing the organ for services from age 11. He holds music degrees from Northern Illinois University (Bachelor of Music), Chicago Musical College at Roosevelt University (Master of Music), and University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (Doctor of Musical Arts), and is active in and has held leadership positions in numerous musical organisations.
Prior to coming to New Zealand, John held positions in suburban Chicago and Kentucky. He has performed throughout the US, the UK, Europe, and New Zealand. In addition to teaching, John is passionate about chamber music and collaborative music making, and regularly performs with Christchurch Symphony Orchestra. His greatest joy is any adventure with his wife Molly and their daughter Lila.