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Organ Scholarship Awards presented at Choral Evensong

Thursday October 10th 2024

Organ Scholarship Service in Belfast Cathedral.

The Connor and Down and Dromore Organ Scholarship Awards were presented at a service of Choral Evensong in Belfast Cathedral.

Prior to the service on September 15, two Organ Scholar Graduates, Clare Kelly from St Patrick’s, Jordanstown; and Grace Steed from St Mark’s, Dundela, had the opportunity to play a number of organ pieces.

The preacher was the Very Rev Roderick Smyth, former Dean of Killaloe and Clonfert, who spoke about the enduring role of the organ in church life and worship.

Certificates were presented by the Dean of Belfast, the Very Rev Stephen Forde, assisted by the Rev Canon Stephen Fielding, Chair of the Organ Scholarship Board, and Mrs Beth Aiken, Honorary Secretary.

Reflecting on the scheme, graduate Grace Steed said: “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.”

Grace added: “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.

Reflecting on having the opportunity to play the Cathedral organ in advance of the Scholarship Awards Service, Grace said: “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 whole service was a wonderful reminder of the importance and power of church music.”

The 2024 Organ Scholarship Scheme Choral Evensong in Belfast Cathedral.

Organ Scholars

Year One

Katie Laverick – Magheralin Parish

David Monahan – St Bride’s Parish, Doagh

Emma Moore – Magherally Parish

Daniel Nicholson – Christ Church, Kilkeel

Elspeth Thompson – Knockbreda Parish

Year Two

Helen Neale – St Mark’s, Dundela

Rachel Smyth – St John’s, Malone

Laura Smyth – St John’s, Malone

Year Three

 Katy McKnight – Holy Trinity, Portrush

Lucy Steele – Glenavy Parish

Final Year Awards

 Larissa Fleck – Armoy Parish

Clare Kelly – St Patrick’s, Jordanstown

Dr Mark McKinty – St Cedma’s, Larne

Grace Steed – St Mark’s, Dundela

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