Scholarship up for grabs at Inverness Cathedral for aspiring choral singers and organists
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ASPIRING organists and choral singers in Inverness and surroundings are being encouraged to apply for a number of scholarships offered at Inverness Cathedral this year.
Three choral scholarships of up to £1000 and one organ scholarship of up to £1500 for the year are now available at Inverness Cathedral for the coming year (2023/2024).
It comes as the Cathedral has been awarded a grant of £4,500 for Choral and Organ Scholarships for Cathedral Music Trust.
Director of music and organist Adrian Maple said this is a fantastic opportunity.
"We are looking for young people to come and join us and be part of the musical life of our Cathedral," he said.
"So many young people throughout the years have benefitted from being involved in Church and Cathedral Choirs, whether as a chorister or learning the organ.
"For me, joining my local church choir as a young boy of seven was life-changing, and throughout my life it has taken me around the world, singing with choirs or playing the organ.
"It can be a gateway to a life as a singer, professional musician or as a really enjoyable hobby. Come and check us out!"
This comes as part of a UK-wide funding boost from the Cathedral Music Trust, with nearly £450,000 distributed to enable choirs to expand their work with musicians and young people in the country.
Former IRA pupil Ellen Shering (17) began singing with the choir when just 12 and has been a scholar for several years – she is now leaving to study violin at the Royal Conservatoire of Music in Glasgow.
Anna Higgins, a student from the University in Cornwall, has been a chorister at the Cathedral during her University placement year working at the Cairngorm National Park and Finn Hewick (17) from Inverness has been learning the organ at the cathedral for the last two years and is now taking up a position reading Maths at Glasgow University.
The scholarship is open to people of all ages and not necessarily framed by academic year.
The position runs for one year but is renewable, subject to satisfactory progress and efficient performance of the duties.
To learn more or apply, visit invernesscathedral.org/scholarships or email music@invernesscathedral.org.
