Your Harrogate Radio

7:00pm - 8:00am

Email the studio

Sonique

It Feels So Good

Listen Live

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.

More from Local News

Fairground rides return to Valley Gardens for half term

A number of fairground rides are setting up at Harrogate’s Valley Gardens in time for half term.
Six teenage boys arrested after 'violent incident' in Harrogate

Six teenage boys have been arrested following a 'violent incident' in Harrogate as police urge parents to keep tabs on their children during the half-term break.
Your Skipton and Your Ilkley to launch on DAB next week

Your Skipton and Your Ilkley will launch on DAB digital radio for the first time next week.
Police appeal after hit-and-run on Knaresborough High Street

Police are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage following a hit-and-run collision on the High Street at Knaresborough.
Harrogate Town announce signing of Chesterfield midfielder

Harrogate Town have announced their first signing of the transfer window with the arrival of Chesterfield midfielder Bailey Hobson on a permanent contract.
Free Fuel Friday: Another winner scoops free tank of fuel

Yet another Harrogate resident has won a full tank of fuel as part of our 'Free Fuel Friday' competition.
Smiley/sad face speed signs set to remain banned in North Yorkshire

Road signs which display a driver’s speed alongside a smiley or sad face could continue to be banned from North Yorkshire’s roads despite pleas from communities to allow their use.
Harrogate primary school takes climate education to national stage

A Harrogate primary school has taken its climate education work to the national stage after speaking at a major Westminster policy conference.
Historic village pub enjoys successful reopening under new ownership

A historic village pub near Boroughbridge has reopened following a major refurbishment and a change in ownership.
Masham primary school unveils newly refurbished library

Masham CE Primary School has officially opened of its newly refurbished library.
No motorists turned away from Harrogate waste centres due to rule change

No motorists have been turned away from North Yorkshire’s household waste centres following the introduction of a rule change, councillors have been told amid ongoing fears about fly-tipping.
RHS Harlow Carr to host Summer Garden Weekend

Gardeners and plant lovers are being invited to RHS Garden Harlow Carr in Harrogate for its Summer Garden Weekend next month.
First look inside Furlong and Furrow ahead of reopening

New photos have revealed the transformed interiors of Furlong and Furrow near Ripon ahead of its reopening tomorrow (Friday).
Harrogate man and colleagues tackle Three Peaks in memory of his mum

A Harrogate man is taking on the Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge in memory of his mum after she sadly lost her battle with Pulmonary Fibrosis last year.
Harrogate care organisation raises £500 at Nidderdale Walk

Carefound Home Care in Harrogate has raised £515 for Harrogate and District Community Action (HADCA) after completing the Nidderdale Charity Walk & Run.
Mayor urged to "come to the table" to discuss road repair funding

North Yorkshire councillors have urged the region’s mayor to "come to the table" to discuss their authority's allocation of road repair funding.
Monthly IT support clinic for elderly people launched in Harrogate

A new monthly IT support clinic aimed at helping elderly and vulnerable people with technology issues is launching in Harrogate next month.
Harrogate College celebrates milestone as new campus takes shape

Harrogate College has marked a significant milestone in the development of its new £22m campus with a steel-signing ceremony.
Children are taking over the Leeds station tannoy this weekend – here's why

Visitors to Leeds train station will notice something a little different this weekend, as children from Martin House Children's Hospice take over the tannoy.
Vernon Kay joins lineup for Harrogate's Symphonic Ibiza event

Vernon Kay has been announced as a major new addition to the lineup for this summer's Symphonic Ibiza event at the Great Yorkshire Showground in Harrogate.