Three Young Singers from Inverness Awarded Choral Scholarships

Three young singers from Inverness have made history as the first choristers at Inverness Cathedral to receive special junior choral scholarships. The recipients, all members of the Inverness Cathedral Junior Choir (ICJC) for the past three years, will now join the main cathedral choir, marking a significant milestone in their musical journey.

The scholars, Noah Johnstone (11) from Dingwall Primary School, Andrew Tay (11) from Culloden Academy, and Rhona Duguid (12) from Inverness High School, have all achieved singing awards from the Royal School of Church Music. Their accomplishments have prepared them well for this new challenge.

The choir at Inverness Cathedral has a rich history, having been established 150 years ago. It has consistently performed at weekly services and special events throughout the year. The junior choir was formed three years ago and holds rehearsals every Friday afternoon during term time. The new scholars expressed their excitement about continuing with the ICJC while transitioning into their new roles.

Noah shared his feelings about the scholarship, stating, “I feel proud and a little bit nervous! I am looking forward to singing more complicated music and I get to sing with my family, who are in the choir too. I am very grateful to the cathedral for letting me have this opportunity.”

Andrew echoed similar sentiments, saying, “When I was told I had received the scholarship, I was overjoyed but also a bit nervous. I love singing, and I look forward to starting with the senior choir. It is a privilege to serve the Lord through singing. Most of my family back in Ghana are choristers in the Anglican church.”

Rhona expressed her enthusiasm as well, stating, “I’m so happy I got a scholarship, and I’m really excited to be able to sing with the big choir!”

Support from Cathedral Leadership

The cathedral’s director of music, Adrian Marple, commended the progress of the junior choir. He noted, “It has been wonderful to watch the junior choir’s confidence grow with each service they took part in. It would be a dream if all of our juniors were able to join the cathedral choir in the future. For a youngster, it is one of the very best ways of experiencing music-making in a fun, yet disciplined group.”

Marple also welcomed new members to the junior choir, emphasizing that no auditions are necessary. Interested individuals can contact the cathedral for further details.

The Very Revd Sarah Murray, Provost of Inverness Cathedral, expressed her delight at the appointment of the new scholars. “We are delighted to welcome our three new junior choral scholars to the life of the cathedral. Their talent, continued commitment to the life of our junior choir and love of singing will enrich our worship and our wider community,” she stated.

Murray highlighted the cathedral’s ongoing commitment to nurturing young musicians and maintaining high standards of choral excellence.

These scholarships not only recognize the talent of these young singers but also reflect a broader dedication to fostering a vibrant musical community within Inverness. As they embark on this new chapter, Noah, Andrew, and Rhona are poised to inspire both their peers and the congregation through their music.