A new chapter in Colchester’s rich musical heritage has begun with the appointment of Finlay Craig as the city’s first ever Organ Scholar.
A year-long scholarship has been established to support the next generation of organists, offering outstanding young musicians the rare opportunity to study and perform on the internationally significant Moot Hall Organ, housed within Colchester Town Hall, often described as the city’s Civic Cathedral. While most organ scholarships are rooted in sacred institutions such as cathedrals, chapels and parish churches, Colchester’s civic scholarship reflects the city’s long-standing commitment to music as a public and cultural asset. At the heart of the city’s civic life, the Moot Hall has for generations provided a setting where music, ceremony and community come together. Its magnificent concert organ, widely regarded as one of the finest municipal instruments in the country, continues to inspire performers and audiences alike.
The scholarship has been made possible through the generous support of the Essex Community Foundation, the Bartleet Family Fund, the Salter McKinlay Charitable Fund, the Friends of the Moot Hall Organ, and the Hervey Benham Charitable Trust.
The initiative has been created to provide gifted young organists with the opportunity to learn on a world-class instrument, receive tuition from exceptional teachers, and gain invaluable practical experience through performances at civic occasions, concerts and church services.
At just 17 years old, Finlay is currently studying at Colchester Royal Grammar School and hopes to continue his musical education at university. He has been playing the organ for twelve years, having first taken up the instrument at the age of five after being inspired by his grandfather.
Although the organ remains his principal instrument, Finlay is a versatile musician who also plays the piano, electric and upright bass guitar, guitar, and sings. His musical interests range from late Baroque repertoire to musical theatre, with Sister Act among his favourite shows!
Finlay is also Organist and Choirmaster at All Saints’ Church, Maldon, and has already performed on notable instruments across Europe through his school’s annual music tours, including at Cologne Cathedral. Alongside performing, he has developed a keen interest in organ restoration, recently helping prepare an instrument for a school production of Sweeney Todd.
William Saunders, Colchester City Organist, said:
“The Organ Scholarship is an exciting investment in the future of music-making in Colchester. The Moot Hall Organ was built to inspire audiences and musicians, and it is fitting that it should also play a role in developing the next generation of talented organists. Finlay has already demonstrated exceptional musical ability, enthusiasm and curiosity, and I am delighted to welcome him as our first Organ Scholar.”
Finlay Craig said:
“It is a huge honour to become Colchester’s first Organ Scholar. The opportunity to learn on such a magnificent instrument. I am incredibly grateful to everyone who has made the scholarship possible and look forward to developing my musical skills.”
The scholarship reflects a wider commitment to preserving and celebrating Colchester’s musical heritage while ensuring that the tradition of organ playing continues to flourish for future generations. Through performance, education and community engagement, the Moot Hall Organ will continue to inspire both audiences and aspiring musicians for many years to come.