York Minster’s Organ Scholar wins coveted national prize

York Minster’s Organ Scholar, Nicolas Haigh, has received a top award in the Royal College of Organists (FRCO) Summer 2014 examinations.

Nick, who is leaving York Minster after two years as Organ Scholar, gained the prestigious Fellowship Diploma, winning the coveted Limpus Prize for achieving the highest marks in the organ playing section of this year’s examinations.

Commenting on Nick’s prize, Robert Sharpe, Director of Music at York Minster said:
“This is a wonderful award and a great way for Nick to end his time at the Minster. He had already gained his Associateship of the Royal College of Organists during his first year with us. Winning the Limpus Prize against some of the most talented organists in the country is a huge achievement for Nick. Many congratulations to Nick from everyone at York Minster.”

Nicolas Haigh took up the position of organ scholar at York Minster in September 2012. Prior to this he was the Sir William McKie Senior Organ Scholar at Clare College, Cambridge where he accompanied the world famous chapel choir under the direction of Timothy Brown and Graham Ross. While still a student, he performed with the choir for broadcasts on BBC Radio 3, BBC Radio 4, and for a CD recently released on the Harmonia Mundi label.

A keen performer of early music, Nicolas co-founded the early music consort L’Académie du Roi Soleil that performs regularly on both sides of the Atlantic.  At the Minster, he accompanied the renowned Minster Choir in several services each week as well as developing a reputation as a colourful soloist and excellent improviser.