Philip Moore was born in 1943 and received his musical education at the Royal College of Music in London . Here he won the Walford Davies Prize for Organ Playing and the Limpus, Turpin and Read Prizes in the Royal College of Organists' examinations. In addition to his RCM qualifications, he has a Bachelor in Music degree from the University of Durham .

He was recently awarded Honorary Fellowships of both the Royal School of Church Music and the Guild of Church Musicians, for his services to Church Music.

Master of Music At St. Augustine's ,Edgbaston(1956 - 1960) and then following graduation from the RCM, he taught for two and a half years at Eton and before moving to Canterbury Cathedral in 1968 as Assistant Organist to Dr Allan Wicks. Six years later he succeeded Dr Barry Rose as Organist and Master of the Choristers of Guildford Cathedral.

In 1983 Philip Moore became Organist and Master of the Music at York Minster, succeeding Dr Francis Jackson who had occupied the post since 1946.

Besides his work at the Minster, Philip Moore gives organ recitals both in the UK and abroad. He is also known for his work as a composer, and has written extensively for choirs and organs. There are also works for chamber ensembles, including a string quartet and a sonatina for Cor Anglais and Piano. The larger-scale works include three cantatas, as well as a concerto for organ and orchestra. Recent commissions include an anthem for the Vasari Singers, with words by Rowan Williams, first performed last year in St John's , Smith Square , a Latin Mass for St Francis' Church, Hitchin, an anthem for Westminster Abbey with words by Andrew Motion, and a commission from the Friends of Salisbury Cathedral.

He has made several critically-acclaimed recordings both as a solo organist and choir director, and in 1997 a CD of his choral and organ works was released. Other Philip Moore compositions have been recorded both in this country and the USA . Philip Moore has recently announced he will retire from York Minster in 2008.