Chris was an organ scholar at Hertford College, Oxford during which time he was taught the organ by James Dalton. Upon graduation he moved to Cambridge where, under the supervision of Peter le Huray, he pursued research into seventeenth-century English church music, being awarded M.Phil and Ph.D degrees. During this time he held positions at both Downing and Gonville & Caius Colleges. Succeeding Christopher Bowers-Broadbent as Director of Music & Organist of St Pancras Parish Church in 1988, Chris moved to London. He has taught at a number of institutions, including University College School and the Royal Military School of Music (Kneller Hall) where he was Professor of Orchestration and Arranging. 

In 2002 Chris founded the London Festival of Contemporary Church Music, an annual event which involves many of London’s world-class choral foundations in a week-long celebration of contemporary music.  Following the re-establishment of the London College of Music in 2006, Chris became head of the institution, working with many well-known colleagues and establishing a modern conservatoire. His contributions to education and contemporary church music have recently been acknowledged by the award of an Hon. FLCM. Alongside his performing experience, Chris has a long-standing practical interest in the organ.

Chris joined H&H on 31st January 2011.  He said “I am delighted to be taking up the position of Managing Director of Harrison & Harrison. H&H is a tremendous firm, which is highly-regarded across the world. I am also honoured to succeed Mark Venning, whose vision, skill and determination have made such a notable contribution to H&H over the past 38 years.”