News

31 July 2024

On 1 August 2024, Michael Koenig will officially begin his tenure as the new Betts Scholar in Organ Studies at Oxford University. He is taking over from Dr Katie Pardee who recently retired after a highly successful tenure of twenty-three years. 

Looking back at her time as the head of the Betts Centre, Dr Pardee remarked that 'the musical education of an organ scholar, when it goes well, is hands-down the best musical education one can have.' For nearly a quarter of a century, the outgoing Betts Fellow has contributed to this holistic education by organising masterclasses, international tours, concerts, conferences and, as the most popular event in an organ scholar's diary, the annual Organ Scholars Dinner. Thanks to her efforts, some of the world's most renowned organists have taught at Oxford, including Marie-Claire Alain, Dame Gillian Weir, Ben van Oosten, Jennifer Bate, Naji Hakim, Harald Vogel and Guy Bovet. Equally, as a result of her determination and aided by the tireless assistance of Dr Nicholas Prozzillo, Oxford's organ scholars have been able to explore precious historic organs in Italy, Germany, Spain, France and the Netherlands.

As Dr Pardee's successor, the Betts Committee was able to appoint Michael Koenig, who comes with a rare combination of musical, organisational and pedagogical skills. Mindful of the increasing diversity amongst organ scholars at Oxford University, Mr Koenig is convinced that 'making such a diverse community thrive, whilst appreciating its own richness, should be one of the noblest tasks of the Betts Centre, going forward.'
Read more about Michael Koenig here.