Organ Scholars
Two Organ Scholars work with Ralph Allwood and the Chaplain to organise and deliver all the music in Chapel. Beyond playing the organ and often conducting services, the Organ Scholars oversee the administration of the choir (with the Choir Administrator), including the selection of music, and the planning of concerts, tours and other events.
Drag the above image to look around the organ loft, and see our fantastic three-manual Binns organ. Built in 1892, it is without doubt one of the finest instruments in all of Cambridge, and is unique for remaining tonally unaltered since it was built. It is a beautifully voiced and hugely versatile instrument for accompanying the liturgy, as well as a very striking recital instrument, with a termly series of organ recitals consisting not only of organists from around Cambridge, but also attracting professional and concert organists from around the UK and abroad. The instrument was completely restored in 2002 by Harrison & Harrison, and is in very good condition. The large Victorian chapel has a spacious acoustic, making it a particularly rewarding space in which to perform.
Further information about our organ can be found here.
Further information about our organ can be found here.
The Organ Scholars enjoy the same privileges as members of the choir, including a free three-course meal after Chapel services and free singing lessons. In addition, the Organ Scholars receive an annual stipend of £450, and a further £500 each year towards organ lessons, conducting lessons and the purchasing of scores. In addition to his role with the choir, Ralph Allwood coaches the Organ Scholars in choral direction.
The Organ Scholars are provided with special subsidised rooms in College, as well as with University network phones, internet and pianos. The Senior Organ Scholar occupies some of the finest accommodation in the College, with a set of seventeenth-century rooms adjacent to the Chapel. "H2" - one of the largest and best appointed sets of rooms in college - is the only undergraduate room with an ensuite kitchen, large separate living room (complete with piano) and a conventient location right next to the chapel, and is a great space to host social events and practice music. The Organ Scholars are central to the music-making at Queens’, and often conduct the MagSoc Symphony Orchestra and Chorus. Former Organ Scholars include the composer Charles Villiers Stanford (1870–72), the internationally renowned symphonic and operatic conductor Richard Hickox (1967–70), and in more recent times Alexander Berry (Director of Music, Bradford Cathedral) and Samuel Hayes (Director of Music, the University Church of Great St. Mary’s). |
Both organ scholarships are endowed: the Senior Organ Scholar is known as the Aliki Vatikioti Organ Scholar, and the Junior Organ Scholar is known as the George C. Phillips Organ Scholar. The Organ Scholars also traditionally oversee an organ recital series throughout the year, including other Cambridge Organ Scholars, cathedral organists and international recitalists. If you are interested in learning more about becoming an Organ Scholar here at Queens’, please contact the Senior Organ Scholar, Ben Markovic (bjm65@cam.ac.uk) or Ralph Allwood (allwood.ralph@gmail.com), who will be more than happy to answer any questions or organise an informal visit to see the chapel and organ. |
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