King’s Pupil offered Organ Scholarship at Oxford University

We are extremely proud of Upper Sixth Student Alfred K, who has been awarded an Organ Scholarship at Somerville College, Oxford.

Alfred joined King’s Worcester in the Sixth Form and immediately threw himself into the life of the music department, becoming involved with most of the school ensembles as a singer, pianist and clarinettist. He began his organ lessons in the Lower Sixth, progressing at a remarkable pace. We are delighted to report that all his hard work has been rewarded with an Organ Scholarship at Oxford.

Organ Scholars are appointed by colleges to play the organ for chapel services and to direct or assist with the work of the choir. The experience is without parallel for those wishing to engage in music-making at the highest level. The chapel music environment in Oxford is extremely lively and offers scope not only for outstanding work in chapel contexts but also for external activities such as tours and recordings.

The application process involves producing written work and demonstrating practical keyboard skills such as transposing and harmonising. Alfred described his experience, “The interview process itself spanned three days in Oxford, with three academic interviews and the organ audition. I am very grateful for the support of the music department throughout the process. My teachers helped me to prepare and practice all the skills required, and a mock interview with Nicholas Cleobury, OV really helped with my confidence for the real thing”.

Director of Music at King’s, Mr Taranczuk said, “We are delighted for Alfred, who follows in the footsteps of the many Old Vigornians who have been awarded organ scholarships at Oxbridge; this list includes several distinguished national and international musicians”.

Alfred continues the legacy of Old Vigornians such as Nicholas and Stephen Cleobury, and, more recently, Peter Holder. Peter is now the Sub-Organist at Westminster Abbey and played for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth’s funeral, but he started playing the organ in his time at King’s St Alban’s.

It is thanks to our close relationship with Worcester Cathedral and our fantastic music department that organists are able to thrive at King’s.