Wesley Parrott, a prominent Philadelphia organist and Easton native, will play at a memorial service for Dr. Bill Wharton on Sunday, July 14, at 4 pm.
The service and recital at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church will honor Dr. Wharton, who was the church’s organist for 52 years.
Dr. Wharton, who died May 19 at age 75, was beloved in the community. In addition to his long tenure at St. Mark’s, he also was a music teacher at Easton High School and Chesapeake College and participated in countless programs, workshops and performances throughout the community.
Parrott has served as organist in several Philadelphia churches, including St. Mark’s Episcopal and St. Mary’s Episcopal, where he collaborated on the design of the Patrick J. Murphy and Associates pipe organ.
Currently organist at Philadelphia Episcopal Cathedral, Parrott also is liturgical musician at St. Frances DeSales in West Philadelphia.
Parrott studied organ with prominent musicians at the Curtis Institute for Music, University of the South, the Eastman School of Music and University of Rochester.
While a student, Parrott won three national level competitions in organ playing and was a finalist in the Grand Prix de Chartres in France. His recordings are available through the Organ Historical Society.
Parrott has performed at the Kimmel Center for Performing Arts in Philadelphia, on the Wanamaker organ at Macy’s in Philadelphia and the National Cathedral in Washington and others. He has accompanied many choirs and soloists in the Philadelphia area and was accompanist for the Princeton Singers during their tour of England.
Parrott’s mother, Millie, is an Easton resident, and has been active member of St. Mark’s.
For further information, contact:
Scott Clausen, Director of Music & Worship
St. Mark’s UMC, 410-822-0001
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