This week Oliver Morrell, 25, was formally installed sub-organist in a short ceremony at Evensong. He joined the music team at Winchester Cathedral in September. Here, he tells us about his role at the Cathedral and the musical journey that brought him here.
Tell us how your musical life started
Although my parents aren’t professional musicians, we are a musical family. I started playing the piano when I was five and took up the flute a few years later. I was very fortunate that the schools I went to had strong music departments. I’m originally from a village in Kent where I was also a chorister at the local parish church.
When did you start to get seriously interested in choral music?
When I was in year 6, I was lucky enough to become a chorister at The King’s Chapel of the Savoy, just off the Strand in London. It was there that I was properly introduced to the world of choral music.
What impact did it have on you?
It was hugely formative. I loved it all the way through and took a great deal from the experience. It’s very common amongst people who work in church music to catch the bug at an early age.
What was your first experience of running a choir?
I was 14 when I started my own choir, which regularly performed in concerts at school. It seemed like a fun thing to do! The school had a chapel with weekly choral services, and I also became responsible for that choir. Again, I was really fortunate to be at a school with such a thriving musical scene. It is absolutely what gave me the inspiration to eventually work in music. I find it funny that, in some ways, I’m doing the same thing now that I was back then.
What about the organ? When did that start for you?
In the same school year that I started running the choirs – I think I’d just turned 15. I didn’t think too much of it at the time, because it was pretty common for former choristers who already played the piano to also start having organ lessons.
What was that first experience like?
To be honest, it was a little bit daunting. At the first lesson, the teacher didn’t even explain to me how to open the console and switch it on! From there, it was a question of working out what all the different parts do. You have keyboards like on a piano, but the mechanism is totally different – the sound is produced from air moving through pipes rather than strings being hit by a hammer. And you’re faced with three lines of music instead of two – the feet play the pedals, which are a whole keyboard themselves. It’s quite mechanical, so you have to think about making music in a different way to other instruments. I think you’ve got to be quite organised.
What happened after you left school?
I had a place at Durham University, to study music, but I deferred for a year. I had got to grade 8 on the organ, but was quite attracted to the idea of taking a year out to get some more experience as a singer. I moved away from home to take up a choral scholarship at Gloucester Cathedral. After this, I was really keen to get more experience in cathedral music. Happily, in my first term at university, I got an organ scholarship at Durham Cathedral. My time in Durham was slightly unique, as part of it was during the pandemic. At times, it was tough — particularly being stuck there over Christmas — but I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to work in a cathedral like that whilst I was a student.
After a spell at Croydon Minster you ended up at St Albans, that’s where you met Andrew Lucas, our Interim Director of Music wasn’t it?
That’s right! I had a great time at St Albans working with Andrew. He’s a man who likes getting things done. I think what I’ve learnt from him most of all is sincere enjoyment from making music. He has such great attention to detail that it’s infectious. It also helps that he’s calm and very funny.
What was it like arriving at Winchester Cathedral?
It was so exciting to arrive here – there is a rich history and a very strong musical heritage. I think the cathedral building is one of the most beautiful there is, and it is an honour to play the organ (especially as it’s just been restored). Having existing experience working in cathedrals definitely helped, but there are always new routines and patterns to get to know.
Tell us about a typical working day.
Most days start with 8am chorister practice at the Pilgrims’ School. This is led by Andrew. Josh (the other Sub-Organist) and I work with the probationers, who are the youngest boys who have just joined the choir. We work on their singing and music theory, introducing them to life as a chorister. This is usually followed by organ practice before guided tours start at 10.30. After this, there are normally some administrative tasks to do in the office, along with meetings. I do more organ practice at 4, which is followed by a choir rehearsal in time for Evensong at 5.30. Finally, I might stay and practice in the evening, or have rehearsals with the other choirs.
Tell us about the two choirs you lead.
I’m in charge of the Nave Choir, which is an open access choir with no audition to join. It is made up of around 40 singers, drawn from the congregation and friends. We sing at one service a term. I’m also responsible for the Youth Choir. This is a new choir for young people aged 13-18, with links to the existing Junior Choir, which also regularly sings at services in the cathedral.
You’re clearly very enthusiastic about your work, why do you love it so much?
Apart from the music itself, which obviously I love, I think’s it working with such a range of people that I enjoy. It means there’s a lot of variety which keeps things interesting. It’s great to be doing something I love, and to feel that there is purpose behind it.
What about your favourite composers?
Well, you can’t go wrong with JS Bach and Mozart and then more recent composers like Vaughan Williams and Herbert Howells. However, I find that I don’t listen to a huge amount of choral music in my spare time.
So, what do you do to relax?
Well, I listen to other music: film scores, musicals, and sometimes (to change it up) even electronic dance music. Having a mix of music makes me feel more complete person, and not just a church music person. Beyond that, I like cycling and going to the cinema. And watching TV if the Traitors is on. However much you love music it’s good to have a break from time to time!