On Sunday 20th September at Choral Evensong the Cathedral installed its first organ scholar, Mr Jack Oades. The year scholarship has been provided for by the St German’s Music and Arts Foundation. Jack recently graduated from Pembroke College, Cambridge, with a degree in Music.

Whilst at Cambridge he had a busy life as a performer, composer and conductor. Formally the Organ Scholar of St Edmund’s College, he both directed and accompanied the chapel choir, as well as selecting and composing the music in consultation with the college’s Dean of Chapel.

An avid composer, he has written works for choir, string orchestra, organ, piano and various chamber ensembles, including a setting of Blessed is the Lord for the Southern Cathedrals’ Festival, which has been published by Chichester Music Press.
Away from church music, Jack also played bass guitar in a variety of bands spanning many genres including funk, jazz, rock, reggae and alternative.

Jack is thrilled to have been awarded the Organ Scholarship at Cathedral Isle of Man and is very much looking forward to the year ahead. As the organ scholar, primarily Jack will be at the organ assisting Dr Peter Litman as he directs the Cathedral Choir. Jack will continue his organ studies and choral conducting study with Dr Litman through the course of the year.

In addition to service work, Jack will assist in the training of new probationer choristers and will work with the choirs at Peel Clothworkers’ School; QE II and King William’s College. Jack will also be using his talents in popular music to develop the more informal ‘Worship Together’ and Taize style services at the Cathedral.

The Cathedral Choristers have a few vacancies for boys and girls aged 7 – 13 years. Interested children and parents should contact Dr Litman at music@cathedral.im. 

Photo - Dr Litman and Jack Oades.