A 12-year-old boy from Bath, Gavin Phelps, who is one of Bath Abbey’s choristers, has been announced as the runner-up in a competition to celebrate the return of York Minster’s Grand Organ.
The competition followed a £2m refurbishment of the majestic instrument earlier this year.
16-year-old Samuel Kemp, from Bushey in Hertfordshire, took first place in the 18 and under category of the Grand Organ Composers’ Competition with his new composition Festival Toccata on ‘In dulci jubilo’, while Bathonian Gavin’s piece ‘Joyful exultation’, impressed judges to claim the runner-up prize.
The competition, which was run in partnership with the Cathedral Music Trust and Banks Music Publications, attracted more than 60 entries from amateur and professional musicians across two categories; aged 19 and over, and 18 and under.
Gavin’s composition was premiered at Bath Abbey Choir’s ‘A Baroque Christmas’ concert on Saturday 18th December, and Samuel’s winning piece was premiered during the Minster’s Nine Lessons and Carol services on 22nd and 24th December.
The composition will be published by Banks Music Publications.
Both Samuel and Gavin will also receive financial prizes and a masterclass on organ composition with Philip Moore, composer and former York Minster Organist and Master of Music, and Ben Morris, Assistant Director of Music at York Minster.
Ben Morris, who played Samuel’s piece at the Nine Lessons and Carols services, said: “It has been fantastic to see the wealth of young talent entering the competition and we’d like to thank everyone for all the work they put into their pieces.
“The competition has been a celebration not only of the completion of the Grand Organ refurbishment project, but also of the talented young musicians around the country, who will help ensure a bright future for organ music throughout the 21st century.”
Huw Williams, Director of Music at Bath Abbey, where Gavin has been a member of the Abbey Boys Choir and the Melody Makers for six years, said: “We are so proud of Gavin’s achievement and send him our heartiest congratulations.
“We celebrated his success by hearing the world premiere of Joyful Exultation, played by the composer at our Christmas concert on Saturday December 18th at Bath Abbey.
“The audience were very enthusiastic about the piece and the performance and he received a well-deserved standing ovation.”