An 18-year-old musician from County Durham has been awarded a prestigious scholarship at St. David’s Cathedral in Wales.
Llewelyn Blezard-Greenwell first discovered his love for the organ in 2017, aged ten.
Following the decision by 94-year-old Enid Burdon to step down from her role of principal organist at St. Mary’s Church in Gainford, the Revd Canon Eileen Harrop placed an advert in the Teesdale Mercury, inviting local young musicians to get in touch if they were interested in learning to play the organ. Already a keen piano and harp player, Llewelyn responded to the advert and was offered an apprenticeship with Dr Brian Harrop who had taken over as voluntary principal organist at St. Mary’s.
Llewelyn became fully involved in church life – joining St. Mary’s youth group in its pioneer cohort and was baptised in 2018. The following year, Llewelyn was promoted to assistant organist, playing regularly for Sunday services and weddings and becoming St. Mary’s principal organist for choral evensong.
Over the next few years, Llewelyn continued to pursue his passion for music. In addition to performing in concerts and recitals, he also set up and directed a range of choirs across the region. Llewelyn’s unique talent has also taken him around the UK and Europe where he has had the opportunity to play a wide variety of different church and cathedral organs to build up an impressive portfolio.
In 2023, Llewelyn was awarded the Junior Organ Scholarship in Ripon Cathedral, progressing to Senior Organ Scholar a year after. In 2024, it was announced that Llewelyn had been offered the Residentiary Organ Scholarship in St David's Cathedral in Wales and he will be moving to take up his post this September 2025.
The Reverend Canon Eileen Harrop from St Mary's Church described Llewelyn as ‘passionate and gifted’. Speaking on behalf of herself, and the congregation of St. Mary’s, she said: “We are delighted for Llewelyn and extremely thankful that we had a part in his flourishing.”
Llewellyn appeared on the BBC Tees Breakfast radio recently to share more about his journey. Listen to his interview here.