BURSARIES ARE AVAILABLE for the exclusive use of the student members of Bristol and District Organists’ Association through the Edgar Joyce Memorial Fund. This was set up by Edgar’s family in conjunction with the B&DOA to give financial support to young organists in furthering their study. It has enabled students to attend residential summer courses and masterclasses, as well as assist with regular costs such as music and exam entries. An Annual Recital takes place each year which offers recipients a valuable performance opportunity.
Previous recipients have often gone on to university organ scholarships and successful careers as organists and choral directors in prestigious venues such as Blackburn Cathedral, Leeds Metropolitan Cathedral, Lichfield Cathedral, Norwich RC Cathedral, Portsmouth Cathedral, Salisbury Cathedral, St Paul’s Cathedral, Southwell Minster and Wells Cathedral.
Donations to the Fund may be made through the Bristol & District Organists’ Association. Please contact B&DOA Secretary Eric Tyson for more information.
Edgar Joyce was born in Bristol in 1911 and was involved throughout his life in church and organ music, mainly in the Bedminster and Southville area. Edgar was organist and choirmaster at St Paul’s, Coronation Road, Southville from 1975 until the time of his death in April 1998.
He was a founder member of the Bristol & District Organists’ Association and President of the Association in 1992, and was a keen supporter of choirs and church music, with a particular interest and involvement in the Royal School of Church Music in the Bristol area. The Annual Edgar Joyce Recital is currently given on the organ that Edgar himself played, and is a showcase for the talents of young organists.