Organ Scholarships
The Down & Dromore and Connor Organ Scholarship Scheme held its annual awards service on Sunday 15 September 2024 at St Anne's Cathedral. The guest preacher was The Very Revd Roderick Smyth, formerly Dean of Killaloe.
The annual service is organised by The Board of Management of the Organ Scholarship Scheme and included music by the two Organ Scholar Graduates.
One of the scholars, Grace Steed, aged 18, reflects below on the scheme and the ways in which it has enriched her playing and appreciation of the unique place of the organ in worship. Grace is pictured below at the Belfast Cathedral organ with one of the tutors, Dr Joe McKee.
Grace Steed, Organ Scholar Graduate 2024
“I have just finished the organ scholarship scheme. It has been hugely beneficial and has emphasised to me the importance of organ music in worship. It has been a privilege to learn from such excellent and experienced organists. I look forward to continuing playing the organ in my parish church and hope to explore the world of organ music at university.
“I have learned much about the breadth of church music and the incredible versatility of the organ as an instrument. In my own church, St Mark’s Dundela, I have thoroughly enjoyed playing the organ with other instruments such as violins and flutes.
“The culmination of the organ scholarship scheme is the annual service. This year it was held in St Anne’s Cathedral, Belfast. The service celebrated the accomplishments of the organ scholars. Two of the final year organ scholars, Clare and myself, were given the opportunity to play a couple of organ pieces before the service. It was a fantastic experience to play such a powerful and majestic organ. The cathedral choir sang a beautiful evensong setting which really added to the service’s celebration of church music. The Very Revd Roderick Smith, former Dean of Killaloe and Clonfert, spoke about the enduring role of the organ in church life and worship. The whole service was a wonderful reminder of the importance and power of church music.”
Organ Scholarships
If you would like to register your interest to receive email notifications about the scholarship scheme and future events, please email the Honorary Secretary at: downdromoreconnororganinfo@gmail.com
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