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 reading, cats, and RV camping.

Matthew Topping

Choir Director

  • M.M. in Choral Conducting, Messiah University ’22, Men’s Ensemble Director
  • B.A. in Piano Performance, Lebanon Valley College ’13
  • B.S. in Music Education, Lebanon Valley College ’13
  • 12 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

Gabby Sobieray

Choral Scholar – Soprano

  • 1st season as a choral scholar at SSEC
  • Studies at Cedar Cliff HS
  • Loves traveling, hiking, and her cats.

Vivienne Lowe

Choral Scholar – Alto

  • 4th season as a choral scholar at SSEC
  • Studies at Central Dauphin East HS
  • Caring heart, theater star, cosplay enthusiast.

Tiger Zebrowski

Choral Scholar – Baritone

  • 1st season as a choral scholar at SSEC
  • Studies at Cedar Cliff HS

Jonah Petruschke

Choral Scholar – Bass

  • 2nd season as a choral scholar at SSEC
  • Studies at Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science for Funeral Directing and Embalming.
  • Believes in trying “things” to unlock new knowledge, discover new passions, and make new memories.