Beautiful Boy

I first heard him sing on one of my many visits to King's College Chapel, Cambridge for Choral Evensong during 2014. There was always something soothing and uplifting about the singing in that special setting, and I was sorely in need of both. I was aware of this little chap because he looked serious and was clearly moved by the music. During the service you tend to scan the little faces in the choir, disbelieving that such gorgeous sounds can come out of such little bodies and baby faces. I just couldn't take my eyes off this chap. Then one memorable day he sang the long solo, Hear My Prayer by Mendelssohn, which turned unexpectedly into Oh For the Wings of a Dove. I knew his voice would be exceptional, and it was. Calmly and beautifully he sang the glorious psalm, and I was literally transported to heaven. OK, maybe not literally. Definitely figuratively though. I sat in stunned silence afterwards, unable to believe what had just happened. As he lingered with his friends I chatted to him, and told him his rendition was wonderful. Thank you, he said. No, thank you, I replied, trying not to gush, and he smiled. I suppose they hear that a lot from awed listeners.

Tom Pickard

He's left the choir now, gone on to his senior school. I know because I have been back to the chapel a few times and missed his presence. So when this evening I finally watched the recorded "60 Years of Carols at Kings" I wasn't expecting him to feature so heavily. The filming was all done during 2013, and it was with that year's carol concert that the programme ended. And the soloist for the opening carol, Once in Royal David's City, was him. What a gift he has. His mother and twin sister Jane were there, visiting Cambridge as they do every Christmas from the Isle of Man where they all live. They had been moved to tears by his singing, and afterwards, standing outside the chapel with her arm around her son's shoulders, his mother said his father would have been so proud. He died two years ago. I burst into tears. Well, it's a potent mix: music, Christmas, little boy without a father.

I now know who he is, thanks to the Isle of Man Courier that has followed his career with pride. At age four he passed Grade 1 violin, at age 10 he was on Grade 7. He also plays the piano. And his voice soars on the wings of a dove. I shall look out for him in the future. I'm sure he'll turn up again. Having won one of only six scholarships to Kings, he is now on a full music scholarship at Eton, and him an ordinary lad from t'north. Except there's nothing ordinary about him. Beautiful, beautiful boy. I say again, thank you Tom.