First year student wins University-wide Organ Prize

Eben Eyres (Music 2023, Peter Walker Organ Scholar) has won the Brian Runnett Organ Competition.

The biannual Brian Runnett Organ Competition, open to all junior members at the University of Cambridge, requires entrants to perform two pieces from a list of works on the St John’s College Organ. The award is held in memory of organist Brian Runnett (1935-1970).

Eben applied to the competition during his first term at University. “I was hesitant at first, but after discussing the competition with Matthew (Martin, Caius Precentor and Director of Music) and Harrison (Cole, Assistant Organist) I decided to apply,” Eben says. “I went into it thinking that it would be great to have the experience of playing in the competition, rather than putting pressure on myself.”

“I focused on performing the pieces well, rather than having any expectations of what could come from it. I think by having that more relaxed way of thinking about it, I gave a better performance than if I’d been overthinking what went well or wrong during the pieces.”

Eben Eyres (Music 2023, Peter Walker Organ Scholar)

As the Organ Scholar for The Choir of Gonville & Caius College, Eben works closely with the Assistant Organist and the Precentor, who have supported Eben during his preparation for the final. “The guidance of Matthew and Harrison has been invaluable, along with my regular teacher Stephen Farr, all of whom contributed with immensely helpful advice on my pieces for the competition.” 

In addition to his role as Organ Scholar, Eben has immersed himself in numerous musical opportunities at the College, such as performing solo recitals, accompanying recitals and auditions, and conducting Mascagni’s ‘Intermezzo’ at February’s Gonville & Caius Music Society concert.

He adds: “It’s been great to get involved in so many performances, there are so many music opportunities here that it’s really a case of choosing the ones you really want to do and making the most of them!”

Entrants must choose two pieces from the published list, an ‘A’ and a ‘B’ piece. Eben chose to perform ‘Praeludium in G Minor BuxWV148 by Buxtehude’ for his A piece. He says: “I chose to perform Praeludium in G Minor BuxWV148 because it’s enjoyable to play, but also because it’s Buxtehude’s less famous G minor Praeludium; I wanted to choose something that was less likely to be chosen by other applicants, so I could have the chance to bring something of my own to it.”

For his second piece, Eben performed ‘Te Deum’ by Demessieux. “Te Deum is technically virtuosic, enjoyable to play, and it also really shows off the different colours the St Johns organ can produce,” he says. Each applicant was given a two-hour timeslot to practise their pieces on the St John’s organ ahead of the final. Eben planned his practise, to ensure that he made the most of this time. He says: ”I decided how long I was going to spend on each piece, and I planned roughly what sounds I wanted to be getting out the organ, so I didn’t have to start from scratch. Before I started practising, I made sure that my setup was correct, things like making sure the bench was at the right height and ensuring that I knew where the correct pedal was to get the swell box, simple things that would save me time.”

Christopher Gray, Director of Music at St John’s College and chair of the adjudicating panel, says: “We are proud to award our 2024 Brian Runnett prize to Eben, who gave stylish performances that were both technically and musically satisfying. His achievement is especially impressive given the strength of the field of applicants, all of whom play their part in maintaining Cambridge’s reputation as a centre of excellence in organ performance.”

For more information about the Brian Runnett Prize please visit: Brian Runnett Prize | St John's College, University of Cambridge