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Ripon pupil among youngest in UK to win cathedral organ scholarship

Friday, 5 September 2025 07:18

18-year-old Llewelyn Blezard-Greenwell.

A former Ripon Grammar School student has become one of the youngest people in the country to win a prestigious organ scholarship.

18-year-old Llewelyn Blezard-Greenwell will take up the residentiary post at St David’s Cathedral in Pembrokeshire this month.

Llewelyn began learning the piano at the age of four and became an apprentice at his local church in Gainford, County Durham, when he was just 10.

Since then, he has developed a strong reputation as an organist, practising for up to eight hours a day and performing at renowned venues across the UK and Europe, including the vast basilica of Our Lady of Lichén in Poland.

Born in Bangor, he later studied at Ripon Grammar School and credits his success to the support of teachers, family and friends.

His passion for music was evident from an early age, and his commitment has now led to an opportunity expected to play a major role in shaping his future career.

Ripon Grammar’s director of music, Michael Barker, said:

“We're hugely proud of Llew who, following his A-levels, will take up his residentiary organ scholarship at St David's Cathedral in Pembrokeshire, one of the youngest musicians in the country to win such a role.

"A very well-deserved placement to a very talented student. We wish him the very best.”

Other clergy and mentors who have worked with Llewelyn have praised his ability and dedication, while St David’s Cathedral staff have highlighted the scholarship as a key training ground for gifted musicians who often go on to senior cathedral posts.

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