Musical prodigy set for great future as Oxbridge beckons

AGED just 14, Henry Websdale is believed to be the youngest cathedral organ scholar in the country to have been awarded a Diploma of the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music – which he passed with distinction.
By The Newsroom
Published 27th Feb 2012, 10:27 BST

When not studying at Bradford Grammar School, Henry is organ scholar at Bradford Cathedral and playing the four manual Hill, Norman and Beard instrument under the tutelage of director of music Alex Woodrow and organist Paul Bowen. He also has singing lessons with James Griffet, director and teacher of the Bradford Grammar School Choral Scholars and founder of Northern Youth.

Henry has been playing the organ for three years. His inspiration came as a chorister at St Margaret’s parish church in Ilkley. He then had lessons with Edward Scott before joining the Cathedral at the end of last year. He said: “I can now put the letters DipABRSM after my name. I love playing the organ and am inspired by the likes of the great Stephen Cleobury and Robert Quinney.

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“It’s my ambition to become an organ scholar at one of the Oxbridge colleges but for now I look forward to continuing my work at the Cathedral.”

Canon precentor Sam Corley said: “He is a dedicated young man – the Cathedral is blessed to have him.”

Related topics:Cathedral