George Herbert joins the Choir as Junior Organ Scholar

He will accompany the Choir of St John's and assist in the training of the boy Choristers, alongside the Herbert Howells Organ Scholar, James Anderson-Besant.

Formerly a chorister at Manchester Cathedral, George studied at Chetham's School of Music, his principal studies being organ and voice throughout his time in the Sixth Form. He later returned to Manchester Cathedral as the Frederick Bridge Organ Scholar, where he frequently accompanied and directed the Cathedral and Voluntary Choirs, and was a quadruple prize-winner of the Associate diploma of the Royal College of Organists.

"I’m really excited to be here at St John’s," says George. "Ever since I first heard the Choir, I’ve admired its unique sound and highly expressive singing, so to be able to get involved with the music here is the realisation of a long-held ambition.

"The variety of opportunities afforded to the Organ Scholars, be it playing continuo for a Cantata Evensong, helping to train the Choristers or accompanying the diverse range of music sung in the Chapel’s daily services, will allow me to explore avenues of music-making which I’ve not encountered before, besides helping to develop those areas which are more familiar to me.

As such, I’m absolutely sure that this job will make me a much stronger musician, as well as a more rounded person."