One of them now works as an organ scholar at Westminster Abbey.
Since taking on the post at Town Church in 2008, Mr Le Prevost has been responsible for teaching many of the island’s aspiring organists, a number of whom have gone on to study music and even pursue it professionally.
‘The organ’s not a terribly popular instrument, but I think we as a church have been very lucky with the students that we’ve had,’ Mr Le Prevost said.
One of this summer’s performers is 23-year-old Francois Cloete, began his musical journey in Guernsey under Mr Le Prevost’s instruction, before attending Wells Cathedral School, reading Music at Merton College, Oxford, and performing internationally, for radio broadcasts, and at multiple cathedrals around the UK.
He has now taken on the post at Westminster Abbey while earning his MMus in musicology, following in the footsteps of Mr Le Prevost, who himself worked as the abbey’s assistant organist for a decade.
This summer’s other performer, one of Mr Le Prevost’s current students, is 15-year-old Elizabeth College pupil William Kennedy, who has been studying the organ under Mr Le Prevost since 2023.
‘Will and Francois are outstanding examples of young local musicians making the most of their talents,’ Mr Le Prevost said.
As well as privately teaching interested organ students, Mr Le Prevost has expanded the accessibility of the instrument by overseeing the institution of an organ scholar programme at Town Church, whereby the church’s choral scholars can also receive instruction.
William is one of several beneficiaries of the programme over its time, receiving his lessons for free since becoming a choral scholar in 2025, and gaining the opportunity to assist with the organ playing in Town Church services.
‘Any of the scholars who show proficiency on the piano and express an interest in the organ can then have lessons on the organ as part of their award, in addition to receiving a termly amount towards singing or other instrumental lessons,’ he said.
‘We have been very fortunate in cultivating some talented organists on this scheme.’
Mr Cloete will be performing his repertoire exclusively on the organ, while William will also be performing several pieces on the piano – a Beethoven sonata, a Chopin nocturne, and a set of Rachmaninoff etudes.
‘I don’t think we’ve had a concert before where the performer’s done organ and piano,’ Mr Le Prevost said.
‘I think it’s nice because the audience then gets to see the performer.’
The two performances, both held at the church at lunchtime, will be free to attend with a retiring collection. Mr Cloete’s recital will take place on Wednesday 15 July at 12.30pm, while William’s is set to be on Saturday 11 July at 1.00pm.
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