Southwark Cathedral becomes South London Hub for the Young Organ Scholars Trust
Southwark Cathedral is delighted to announce a new partnership with the Young Organ Scholars Trust (YOST), becoming the Trust’s South London Hub and committing to welcoming a YOST Organ Scholar to the Cathedral each year.
The partnership reflects a shared commitment to nurturing the next generation of organists and ensuring that talented young musicians from all backgrounds have the opportunity to develop their skills and take part in the rich tradition of church music.
The Young Organ Scholars Trust exists to widen access to organ education by supporting young musicians who may not otherwise be able to afford lessons. Through funding expert tuition, creating opportunities to perform, and building a network of young organists, YOST is helping to safeguard the future of the UK’s unique church music tradition.
Southwark Cathedral’s new role as a Regional Hub will provide a home for young organists in South London, offering opportunities to learn, perform, and become part of the Cathedral’s musical life.
The partnership was officially launched on Monday 29 June with a special Evensong at Southwark Cathedral, followed by a reception celebrating the work of YOST and the beginning of this new chapter. The service included performances from Austin, the Cathedral’s inaugural YOST Scholar, and Tilly, a long-standing YOST Scholar, who both shared their musical journeys and the impact of YOST’s support.
Speaking about his experience as the first Southwark YOST Scholar, 13-year-old Austin said:
“I'm incredibly grateful to YOST for giving me the opportunity to learn the organ. I've always loved playing the piano, but ever since joining my church choir, I've really admired the sound of the organ and loved singing with it accompanying us. I never imagined I'd actually get the chance to learn to play such an amazing instrument.”
Austin also reflected on the significance of his scholarship:
“It's exciting to be part of helping keep the tradition of organ playing alive, and I hope one day I'll be able to inspire other young people, especially those from backgrounds like mine, to discover how incredible this instrument really is and what a joy it is to be able to play it.”
For Austin’s mum, Valerie, seeing her son’s passion for music grow has been a source of great pride:
“As a parent, you want to do everything you can to help your child fulfil their potential, but opportunities like this are not always financially possible. I am so grateful that the Young Organ Scholars Trust exists. Their support is not just funding lessons – they are opening doors, preserving a wonderful musical tradition, and giving talented young people from all backgrounds the chance to thrive.”
17-year-old Tilly has been supported by YOST for four years and is now preparing for her ARSM Organ Diploma:
“Playing the organ at Southwark Cathedral was a fantastic experience. I was introduced to the Lewis organ by Assistant Director of Music Simon Hogan and had the opportunity to play during part of the Evensong service alongside the Girls’ Choir. It was an unforgettable day, and I hope to have the chance to return and play at Southwark Cathedral again.”
Roxanne Gull, Director of the Young Organ Scholars Trust, said:
“We're delighted to be partnering with Southwark Cathedral on a brand new scholarship programme for young organists, built on our shared belief in making high-quality education in church music accessible to young people of all backgrounds. We're so grateful to the Dean & Chapter and Cathedral Music Department for their commitment to this new project, and look forward to developing our work together over the coming year and beyond.”
This was echoed by Simon Hogan, Assistant Director of Music and Organist at Southwark Cathedral:
"It is such an honour for us at Southwark to be partnering with YOST and giving opportunities to the next generation of organists. Here at Southwark we have worked with so many young organists over the years who have gone on to exceptional careers in music-making, and providing a base and community for young musicians to learn their craft in their formative years is so important for the eco-system of the music world, and for developing the skills and interests of these young people. For me personally it has been a joy to work with Austin, and to see him start to flourish as he begins his journey with the organ. A huge thanks to YOST for making this a possibility for him!"
Through this partnership, Southwark Cathedral and YOST hope to inspire more young people to play the organ, and to ensure that this celebrated musical tradition is preserved for future generations.
Images by Maya Barter.