Introducing Alfie Beston - the cathedral's new organ scholar

Truro Cathedral is pleased to introduce Alfie Beston as the cathedral’s organ scholar for the 2025/26 academic year.

Formerly a chorister at the King’s Chapel of the Savoy, he officially started his role at the cathedral at the beginning of September.

The organ scholar plays an important role in the choral music tradition at Truro Cathedral. The role supports the director and assistant director of music in the daily rehearsal and training of Truro Cathedral Choir’s probationers. This includes planning the service music, directing and accompanying two of the seven weekly services sung by the choir. The organ scholar also helps to oversee the administration of the music department, look after the music library and assist with hosting visiting recitalists.

Alfie was awarded a music scholarship to Sevenoaks School, where he has just completed the International Baccalaureate Diploma. He previously served as organ scholar at St Giles the Abbot, Farnborough, and as associate organist at St John’s the Evangelist, Bromley. He is currently working towards completing his Fellowship of the Royal College of Organists in the summer of 2026.

In addition to his organ studies, Alfie is a woodwind player. He was lead alto saxophonist for the National Youth Jazz Orchestra Academy’s Big Band from 2018 to 2020 and currently performs as principal flautist with the South London Youth Orchestra. He has also trebled – playing saxophones, clarinet, flute and piccolo – in productions including Guys and Dolls, Made in Dagenham and Elf.

When discussing why he wanted to come to Truro, Alfie said: “I wanted to work with one of the best choirs in the country and have the opportunity to play the organ for a year, without academic pressures at the same time, and focus on my playing.”

Speaking about what he wants to achieve over the coming year, he said: “I’m hoping to significantly improve my playing and gain experience working with the choir, specifically the probationers whom I’ll train. I hope to write some music too.”

As a composer and arranger, Alfie’s work has raised over £5,000 for charity and includes international collaborations with leading session musicians. His arrangements have been featured on BBC Radio 3, including a broadcast of his adaptation of Philip Berg’s setting of I Saw Three Ships.

In his free time, Alfie enjoys running, swimming and flying drones.

There will be plenty of occasions over the next year for you to hear Alfie play the organ here at Truro Cathedral.

Truro Cathedral would like to thank the Headley Trust for their generous continued support of the organ scholarship role.