ssec music staff 🎹

The music ministry of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Cathedral is led by husband-and-wife duo, Matthew & Sarah Topping. Residents of Midtown Harrisburg, Matt and Sarah are passionate about bringing glory to God and spreading the Gospel through music in their own neighborhood! Their individual talents, in combination with artistic collaborations, add an energetic and meaningful element to worship at St. Stephen’s.

Four choral scholars join Matt and Sarah in helping to lead our Cathedral Choir program. Read below to learn more about our fantastic music staff!

Sarah Topping

Director of Music, Organist

  • B.A. in Sacred Music, Lebanon Valley College ’13
  • B.S. in Music Education, Lebanon Valley College ’13
  • 12 years public school music teaching experience – Susquehanna Township & Central Dauphin school districts.
  • Cellist in the Hershey Symphony Orchestra, Piano Accompanist for the Harrisburg Elementary Symphony Orchestra.
  • Lover of cats, reading, and RV camping.

Matthew Topping

Choir Director

  • M.M. in Choral Conducting, Messiah University ’22
  • B.A. in Piano Performance, Lebanon Valley College ’13
  • B.S. in Music Education, Lebanon Valley College ’13
  • 11 years as Music Teacher and Director of Choirs in the West Shore School District (Cedar Cliff HS, Allen MS)
  • Dreams about kayaking, traveling, and campfire cooking.

Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly…singing to God with thankfulness in your hearts – Colossians 3:16

Vivian Lowe

Choral Scholar – Alto

  • 3rd season as a choral scholar at SSEC
  • Studies at Central Dauphin East HS
  • Caring heart, theater star, cosplay enthusiast.

Ana Sobieray

Choral Scholar – Soprano

  • 1st season as a choral scholar at SSEC
  • Studies at Shadyside School of Nursing
  • Values relationships, integrity, and working hard to achieve your goals.

Jonah Petruschke

Choral Scholar – Bass

  • 1st season as a choral scholar at SSEC
  • Studies at Indiana University of Pennsylvania
  • Believes in trying “things” to unlock new knowledge, discover new passions, and make new memories.

Elijah Palmer

Choral Scholar – Baritone

  • 1st season as a choral scholar at SSEC
  • Studies at Messiah University