26 May Organ Scholarship News
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Newry Feis success
Congratulations to our organ scholar Colm Xiao who was awarded a Silver medal award in the Junior organ competition at Newry Musical Feis. Competitors had the opportunity to play the remarkable four-manual Telford organ in the impressive setting of St Patrick’s Cathedral Armagh.
Our organ scholars Colm Xiao and Ruby Moss were given the opportunity to participate in a masterclass with adjudicator Mr Simon Harden. Mr Harden is one of Ireland’s foremost organists and is Lecturer in Organ Performance at TU Dublin Conservatoire, Organist and Director of Music in Christ Church Cathedral in Waterford, and a regular concert and recital organist. Our organists benefited from the technical suggestions, knowledge and ideas shared by the organ tutor, as well as different perspectives on technique and interpretation, and will take these on board as they continue their learning journey.
The Newry Feis competitions and masterclass are an excellent opportunity for young organists to improve their skills as performers as they are required to present a performance with a variety of registrations and colours on an unfamiliar organ in front of an audience and a professional organist. Our organ scholars look forward to participating in the Newry Feis competitions and masterclass again next year.
New Organ Scholar
Congratulations to third-year pupil Joe Liscoe who has been awarded an organ scholarship which will commence in September 2023. The organ scholarships offered by Dundalk Grammar school provide a unique opportunity for young aspiring organists to develop their skills through engaging in music-making at a high level. They offer a wealth of experience and opportunities to the recipients, and our organ scholars play a prominent role in the musical life of the school. Joe is very excited about this opportunity and we wish him well as he starts out on his journey as an organist.