St Albans Cathedral is delighted to announce the appointment of Michael D’Avanzo as Organ Scholar from September 2026. Michael is currently the Organ Scholar of Exeter Cathedral, and has just graduated from Jesus College, Cambridge, where he read Music and held the College’s organ scholarship. Michael began his musical career as a chorister of Hereford Cathedral, and went on to hold gap year posts at St Davids Cathedral and Southwell Minster.  Reflecting on his appointment, Michael said, "I am absolutely delighted to have been offered this role in the wonderfully historic and musically vibrant setting of St Albans. I look forward to working with Will, Dewi, the choristers and the whole team at the Cathedral next year."

William Fox, Director of Music, commented, "We are very excited to be welcoming Michael to St Albans next September and look forward to seeing him thrive in our busy musical life."

Dean Jo said, “We’re delighted to welcome Michael as our next Organ Scholar. His appointment reflects the continued growth of our thriving music department, and we look forward to the musical gifts he will bring to the Cathedral.”

The long-running Organ Scholarship at St Albans Cathedral is a great post for an organist in the early stages of their career to gain experience working in our varied music programme. We are proud that so many former organ scholars have gone onto great things in the world of music and beyond.

Photo credit: Michael Stephens-Jones