Organ scholarships

Pembroke has a lively musical tradition in which the organ scholars play a focal part. The Chapel is Christopher Wren's first building, and its fine acoustic and unique organ lend themselves to much music-making as well as the weekly worship.

We aim always to have two organ scholars at any one time. Normally appointments are made two years out of every three, with alternating one and two year overlaps between successive appointments. The organ scholars assist the Director of Music in planning the music of the Chapel services and for recruiting and training the Choir. The recent appointment of a part-time Director of Music, Dr Sam Barrett, has been made to strengthen the support given to organ scholars and the choir but the College sets store on allowing the scholars considerable opportunity for experience in conducting as well as playing. The organisation and enthusiasm of the organ scholars have created high standards of performance. But the commitment required each week is not so heavy as to prevent other interests.

The main weekly service is Sunday evensong (Book of Common Prayer). The choir regularly sing responses and anthem and lead the congregational singing of hymns, psalm and canticles (Anglican chant); the range of introits, responses and anthems is varied and ambitious. Twice a term there is Compline, once a term there is a full choral eucharist and, from time to time, special choral evensong with settings. The choir normally practises twice a week. On Friday evenings a group of volunteers meet to sing evensong to plainsong, with a short practice beforehand under one of the two organ scholars.

The organ is originally of 1708 with Father Smith pipe work, rebuilt by Mander in 1980 in baroque style (two-manuals, tracker). It is particularly excellent for Bach and pride is taken in the voluntaries given by the organ scholars. Recitals on the organ are welcomed. The College has also commissioned a chamber organ from one of the leading organ makers of the present day, Bernard Aubertin. Organ lessons are paid for by the College and other encouragements given. The organ scholars receive awards of £300 and usually live in sets of rooms in College through their three years with pianos provided. They and the choir enjoy free Dinner in Hall after Evensong. The scholarships have recently been endowed by a late Fellow, Dr Sidney Kenderdine and an old member, Nigel Graham Maw, to assist with the purchase of music and other benefits.

As well as concerts in College the choir occasionally give recitals and services in East Anglian churches or cathedrals. Each summer they have a tour further afield, sometimes in the UK, sometimes abroad: recently, north Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Spain and Japan. They have also made three, well-received CDs of 17th and 20th century church music.

Organ scholars are expected to foster music in the College generally, via a thriving Music Society. There is a choral and/or orchestral concert each term, together with chamber recitals on Sunday evenings. The organ scholars are also centrally involved in the Kenderdine series devoted to organ recitals of professional standard and the cantatas of J S Bach.

Organ scholars do not always read Music and have gone on to varied careers. While Christopher Gray is the Organist and Director of Music at Truro Cathedral, and Sarah Baldock, having created the new girls choir at Winchester, is now the Organist and Master of Choristers at Chichester Cathedral, others are in teaching, writing film scores or musicals, conducting, promoting genealogical research; another is an Anglican priest.

At present we intend to elect an organ scholar for 2012 and so welcome applicants for the competition in September 2011. Enquiries should be directed to the Admissions Office at the College (tel. 01223 338154). The Director of Music, the Dean and organ scholars are always happy to meet prospective candidates and show them round.