George is the Herbert Howells Organ Scholar at St John’s. Following two years as a Music student, George is now in his final year studying German. Born in Manchester in 2001, his passion for music was kindled in earnest when he started singing in Manchester Cathedral Choir aged nine.

He joined Chetham’s School of Music at this time too, where he studied trumpet after leaving the cathedral’s choir. During this time, formative experiences included playing in a fanfare brass group alongside the Gabrieli Consort in their recording An English Coronation, involvement with the school’s orchestras and big bands, and participation in music therapy and community music projects. He focused on organ and singing in his time in the school’s Sixth Form, and returned to Manchester Cathedral as Organ Scholar. He played Poulenc’s Organ Concerto with Chetham’s Chamber Orchestra, and enjoyed working closely with his peers as an accompanist.

He now studies organ with Colin Walsh and piano with Keval Shah. In his first two years he was a pianist in Pembroke College’s Lieder Scheme, where he participated in masterclasses with accompanist Joseph Middleton. He has been the co-musical director of the Gentlemen of St John’s since his second year.

George is a passionate environmentalist, and is studying for a dissertation on environmental policy and foreign relations in Cold War East Germany. An article he wrote arguing for more sustainable musical touring practices was published by Varsity newspaper last year.