Choral Scholarships
The PCC, Vicar and Churchwardens are pleased to announce that we have appointed three choral scholars and are currently auditioning for an alto choral scholar to join our choir for the 2024/25 academic year. As a church we are committed to the professional development and education of young musicians. These positions are well-suited to conservatoire students, university students and aspiring young professionals. The scholars are expected to play an important role within the choir, supporting their respective voice parts through the regular routine of services, rehearsals, and concerts. See here for more information.
After receipt of generous personal donations we are delighted to announce that the Governors of the Sir William Boreman Foundation have agreed to make a grant over three years towards the Choral Scholarship Programme.
If you are interested in becoming a choral scholar, or if you would be interested in supporting this exciting scheme, please be in touch with the Director of Music, Ben Newlove to discuss further.
Keeley Taylor – Soprano Choral Scholar
Keely is a viola player, currently in her first year of study at Trinity Laban conservatoire studying with Malcom Johnstone.
She has a love of singing and has sung from the age of six in choirs including while at Hereford Cathedral school singing in their chapel choir, chamber choir and Cantabile girls’ choir and while at Chetham’s School of Music for sixth form, sang in the Chamber choir, Chorale and the Hallé youth choir. With the Hallé youth choir where they often sang in Bridgwater Hall with the Hallé orchestra and more recently in the Proms season with Mark Elder conducting.
Keeley is excited for the year ahead being part of the St Alfege Church Choir and being involved with such a welcoming group of like-minded musicians.
Byron Davis-Hughes – Tenor Choral Scholar
Byron started singing as a chorister at Sherborne Abbey from the age of five, staying for eleven years. During his time there he was part of several album recordings and sang at venues such as Notre Dame, Wells Cathedral and Salisbury Cathedral also receiving a Dean's Award from Salisbury Diocese
He is a third year vocal student at Trinity Laban studying under Lynton Atkinson and regularly freelances across London. Notable engagements include chorus lead for Blackheath Halls Opera 2023 and 2024, St John’s Passion soloist for Northampton Bach Choir, Old Royal Naval College Chapel Choir and Tiffin Boys School. Byron was also a Bursary student for Stile Antico this summer at The Music Summer School Festival.
Cameron Galvin – Bass Choral Scholar
My name is Cameron Galvin, and I am this year’s Bass Choral Scholar at St Alfege Church. I began my life in choral music aged six, when I joined my local church choir, and received a great musical and liturgical education. I became Head Chorister when I was 13, having achieved my RSCM Gold Award a short time before that.
I have just started my first year studying Vocal Studies at Trinity Laban, being taught by Lynton Atkinson, where I will receive four years of intensive vocal training to prepare me for whatever musical direction I steer my career.
I look forward to being involved in such a large and welcoming church community, and to spend a year singing alongside great musicians.