THE CLASS OF ‘25-26

These young keyboard players will be engaged across the season and form an integral part of the OBS continuo section. Working alongside our professional section leaders and period instrumentalists, they contribute to the musical foundation of each performance. The core ensemble includes experienced players from across the UK, and Continuo Scholars are expected to support the stability and stylistic consistency of the group. Through the rehearsal process and performances, they will build confidence and expertise in historical performance practice. Instrumental coaching and ensemble training will be provided, with tailored support from our principal keyboard players.

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Meet the Scholars

Find out more about our individual Continuo Scholars of 2025-26

 

Davon Halim

Davon has just concluded his stint as organ scholar at Christ’s College, Cambridge under Prof. David Rowland, where he also read mathematics. In addition to regular duties in the college chapel, he accompanied the choir in concerts, for example during annual summer tours which have brought the Choir to the USA, Canada and New Zealand. He also conducted the choir in the Director of Music’s absence. As a soloist, Davon continues to perform in Cambridge and across England. He studies with Ann Elise Smoot, and other organists he has worked with include Pieter Dirksen, Sietze de Vries and Thierry Escaich. As an avid fan, Davon particularly enjoys playing and directing works by J.S. Bach. Previous highlights include several all-Bach programmes on the Metzler organ at Trinity College, Cambridge, as well as directing the 2nd Orchestral Suite and 5th Brandenburg Concerto.

 

Drew Sellis

Drew Sellis is the Assistant Organist and Tutor to the Choristers at Magdalen College, Oxford, where he plays a central role in the musical life of the College. In addition to playing the organ for services, broadcasts, and tours with the choir, he is involved in the musical training and pastoral care of the choristers. Before this, Drew held the Organ Scholarship at St. George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, where he played for the installation of the Dean of Windsor in the presence of HM King Charles III and other senior members of the Royal Family. Drew has also held organ scholarships at Jesus College, Cambridge, and at St. Mary-at-Finchley, the parish church local to where he grew up in north London.

​A prize-winning Fellow of the Royal College of Organists, Drew has recently given recitals at Westminster Cathedral, Liverpool Cathedral, and as part of the Three Choirs Festival. His musical interests are broad, extending to jazz piano and classical saxophone, as well as musical direction for theatre productions, including work at Cambridge’s ADC Theatre and the Edinburgh Fringe, and editing early music. He is also committed to music education, contributing to outreach programs that enhance children’s musical experiences.