The quality of the Frobenius organ at Robinson, together with the opportunity to be in charge of repertoire, rehearsals, concerts and cathedral visits, has attracted some very strong organ scholars over the years. Past organ scholars have included Peter Dyke (Hereford Cathedral) Sarah MacDonald (Selwyn College), Andrew Reid (Westminster Cathedral) and Mark Hindley (Leeds Philharmonic Chorus) among many others who have gone on to a professional career in music. The scholarship at Robinson combines mentoring and training from Simon Brown and Jeremy Thurlow with opportunities for leadership which provide an ideal preparation for a cathedral post or for many other musical careers, as well as for leadership roles more generally.
The Organ Scholars receive free organ lessons and vocal training, and a free formal 3-course dinner after Evensong every Tuesday. They have priority access to the Frobenius throughout the year. They play a leading role in choosing repertoire and planning services, concerts and trips in consultation with Dr Thurlow, the Chaplain and Mr Brown. Organ scholars receive a stipend which is currently £450 per year.
For more informal information about Organ Awards at Robinson, potential applicants are welcome to contact:
Simon Brown, Director of Chapel Music, or
Dr Jeremy Thurlow, Director of Studies in Music
See also the page on the University's website about Music Awards
See this term's Music List
The Frobenius Organ
Frobenius is a highly regarded Danish organ building company, responsible for the magnificent instrument at Aarhus Cathedral, as well as a select group of admired English instruments including those at Queen's Oxford, Oundle and Robinson. With 26 speaking stops in a continental classical style, the two-manual organ at Robinson has a responsive tracker keyboard action, balanced swell pedal and electrical stop action with a full set of thumb and toe pistons. It is particularly well-suited to Bach and the Baroque and Classical repertoire, but is also well adapted to accompaniment and solo playing in a wide range of repertoire from Stanford to Messiaen. The organ was given a thorough mechanical renovation in January 2009.
View the full organ specification.