We are delighted to follow the success of former pupils and to catch up with their plans for the future.  One of our most successful musicians, Jack Wilson reflects on his time at Queen’s as Organ Scholar of Belfast Cathedral and his plans for postgraduate study at Cambridge.  Jack writes …

‘I’ve been Organ Scholar in St Anne’s Cathedral since September 2016, and since September 2018 held the position of Acting Assistant Organist to cover a vacancy in the Music Department.  I’m the principal organist for the Cathedral’s Sunday Services, also playing for Choral Evensong Monday to Wednesday of each week. I deputise for the Director of Music in his absence, also acting also choir librarian, and am responsible for the weekly production and proof reading of the Cathedral’s service sheets.  In St Anne’s I have participated in playing the organ for live BBC broadcasts, having played for HRH Duke of York on two occasions, and most recently playing the organ for the Duchess of Abercorn’s Memorial Service.  I have also performed in the Cathedral’s Organ Recital Series.

In Belfast, I maintain a busy freelance career as an accompanist for choirs such as the St George’s Singers (Recent engagements include accompanying the first performance of Chilcott’s St John Passion in Clonard Monastery May 2019), and the Belfast Phoenix Choir. Also accompanying musical exams.

I have just finished an honours degree in music at the Queen’s University of Belfast, and in October 2019 I am to begin my MMus in choral studies (specialise in choral conducting) at the University of Cambridge (Sidney Sussex College). I am also Organ Scholar elect for Sidney, and will participate in accompanying the professional chapel choir during chapel services, and will have opportunities for choral directing.  Whilst in Cambridge, I have been chosen as the accompanist for the St John’s Voices, a choir that sings Evensong in the world famous St John’s College Chapel each Monday evening.’