Truro Cathedral Music Scholars Celebrate Prestigious Offers from Oxford University

Truro Cathedral is delighted to announce that two members of its music team, organ scholar Alfie Beston and choral scholar Lewis Cobb, have received offers to study Music at the University of Oxford. Alongside their academic success, Alfie has been appointed Organ Scholar of Christ Church Cathedral, while Lewis will take up a Choral Scholarship at Oxford (college to be confirmed).

Reflecting on his time at Truro Cathedral, Alfie Beston said: “Working alongside James and Andrew as organ scholar at Truro Cathedral is a great privilege, and I love being immersed in such a diverse range of music and being so directly involved in the training of the choristers. I am very much looking forward to taking up the role of Organ Scholar at Christ Church this October and continuing to develop musically in another cathedral context.”

Lewis Cobb shared his excitement about the next chapter: “I am so fortunate to have been exposed to such a great wealth of music in my years as a choral scholar, and this has further ignited my passion to continue music in my life. There is no better place to explore this passion than at the University of Oxford. As a future choral scholar I look forward to immersing myself in its deep‑rooted choral traditions. I am also excited to play instruments in various orchestras and ensembles.”

The cathedral community is immensely proud of Alfie and Lewis and honoured to have supported them on their musical journeys. Their achievements reflect the strength of Truro Cathedral’s music programme and the dedication of its staff and scholars. We wish them every success as they take these exciting next steps.

For information on becoming a choral scholar at Truro Cathedral, please visit the Choral Scholars webpage

For information on becoming an organ scholar, please visit Organ Scholar webpage

About Alfie Beston

Alfie Beston is the current Organ Scholar at Truro Cathedral and a former chorister of the King’s Chapel of the Savoy. He will take up the prestigious post of Organ Scholar at Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford, in October.

A music scholar at Sevenoaks School, Alfie completed the International Baccalaureate Diploma before holding positions as Organ Scholar at St Giles the Abbot, Farnborough, and Associate Organist at St John’s the Evangelist, Bromley. He is currently working towards the Fellowship of the Royal College of Organists.

At Truro Cathedral, Alfie plays regularly for services and contributes to the training of the probationer choristers. Beyond the organ loft, he is an accomplished woodwind player. He served as lead alto saxophonist for the National Youth Jazz Orchestra Academy Big Band (2018–2020) and was principal flautist with the South London Youth Orchestra.

Alfie has performed on saxophones, clarinet, flute and piccolo in productions including Guys and Dolls, Made in Dagenham and Elf. As a composer and arranger, his work has raised over £5,000 for charity and includes international collaborations with leading session musicians. His arrangements have been broadcast on BBC Radio 3, including his adaptation of Philip Berg’s I Saw Three Ships.

About Lewis Cobb

Lewis Cobb is a bass choral scholar at Truro Cathedral. His musical journey began as a chorister at St John’s College, Cambridge, under the direction of Andrew Nethsingha. During his time there, he took part in BBC Radio 3 broadcasts, international tours, and several acclaimed CD recordings, also appearing as a soloist.

Lewis is a versatile instrumentalist, playing piano, violin, cello and double bass. His broad musical experience and deep engagement with choral music have shaped his passion for pursuing further study at the University of Oxford, where he will take up a choral scholarship.