Donald S. Sutherland, Director of Music Emeritus

Donald Sinclair Sutherland assumed the position as Director of Music at Bradley Hills Presbyterian Church in 1971 after serving as an Assistant Professor of Organ at Syracuse University. He soon was busy supervising the installation and dedication of the Holtkamp Memorial Organ. Donald led Bradley Hills into the music community by organizing an ongoing recital program, “Bradley Hills Presents,” at which many distinguished musicians performed, including Marie Claire Alain, Vernon de Tar, and the Theater Chamber Players. Before long, his direction led to an invitation for the Chancel Choir to participate in the Mozart Festival at the Kennedy Center. The Choir was also invited to perform at the Concert for the Interfaith Conference of Metropolitan Washington.

As Choirmaster and Organist at Bradley Hills, Donald made significant spiritual contributions to Bradley Hills and shaped the role of music as part of the ministry of this congregation. He established community concerts such as the Bethesda Cares concerts to benefit charity, an annual Christmas program at Bradley Hills that included choirs from other local churches, and he regularly joined our Chancel Choir with the choir of the Church of the Redeemer in Washington, DC, further contributing to the mission and spiritual activities of Bradley Hills. Donald continued to carry out a busy recital schedule, performing world-wide, and he participated actively in the American Guild of Organists. He served at Bradley Hills until 1999 and was appointed Director Emeritus of Music Ministries in 2007. Donald currently serves as Coordinator of the organ program at the Peabody Conservatory of Johns Hopkins University

With his wife, world renowned soprano Phyllis Bryn-Julson, Donald brought joy, sparkle, and the glory of sacred music to Bradley Hills. We are grateful to both of them for their contributions to the church and greater community.