Music Staff
  Justin Langham
Music Director
justin@saintphilip.net 		 

As a performer, Justin maintains an active schedule as a freelance musician in the greater Houston area, and as a member of the internationally renowned trumpet and organ duo, Deux Voix (“two voices''), with whom he has given over 300 performances in some of
the world's most magnificent cathedrals and concert halls. Justin is also an award-winning composer and a devoted educator. In-demand as alecturer and clinician, Justin also maintains an active private teaching studio at his home in the Museum District, where he enjoys spending time with his partner, pianist Andreea Muţ, and their Great Pyrenees Risa.

  

Originally from Mobile, Alabama, he earned a double Bachelor of Music in performance and composition from the University of Alabama, followed by his Master's and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees from the University of Houston.

    
  Justin Langham, joined the St. Philip as Music Director in February 2024. Justin enjoys a multi-faceted career as a conductor, composer, performer, and educator, and is passionate about communicating and inspiring people through music. He is thrilled to be a part of the St. Philip community, where music is such an integral part of spiritual life.
  Matthew Dirst
Organist
dirst@central.uh.edu		  

He was closely involved in the commissioning
of the Fritts organ and Phillips harpsichord and
is immensely grateful to serve in a church where music is so highly valued.

The first American to win major international prizes in both organ and harpsichord, Matthew
is also Professor of Music at the Moores School
of Music, University of Houston, where he teaches courses in music history and performance practice, and Artistic Director
of the Grammy-nominated early music ensemble Ars Lyrica Houston.  		  

His degrees include a PhD in musicology
from Stanford University and degrees in
organ and sacred music from the University
of Illinois and Southern Methodist University.
A Fulbright scholar to France, he received
the coveted prix de virtuosité in both organ and harpsichord.

The author of numerous articles on the
music of Bach and its reception, Matthew
is the author of Engaging Bach: The Keyboard Legacy from Marpurg to Mendelssohn
(Cambridge University Press, 2012). 		    
  Organist Matthew Dirst, who joined the St. Philip music staff in 1997, plays the 11 am Sunday service, accompanies the St. Philip Choir, and has served
St. Philip in numerous other capacities over the years, including two periods as interim choirmaster.
 
   

St. Philip is a member of the Presbyterian Church - USA
4807 San Felipe Street, Houston, TX 77056 - Ph. (713) 622-4807