Visually Impaired Teenager Wins Prestigious Musical Scholarship

Sixteen year old Ivan Deb has won the first Aprahamian Scholarship for young organists which includes a brand new two-manuals-and-pedals home organ, on which he can practise.

The Arabesque Trust, which set up the scholarship to help visually impaired young organists, has partnered with Viscount Classical Organs to provide Ivan with his own Chorum S40 instrument in his home in Watford, north London. Ivan has Marfan Syndrome, a rare genetic condition that affects the body’s connective tissue and can affect many different parts of the body including the heart, joints and eyes. Despite the challenges that come with living with the disorder, Ivan has not only become an advanced player of the organ, the ‘cello and the piano; he is also a promising tennis player.

Ivan Deb, winner of the award, said: “The organ is now standing prominently as the centrepiece of the living room. I can’t tell you what difference it has already made. The joy of being able to practise at 9pm!”

The Aprahamian Scholarship takes its name from the music critic and concert impresario Felix Aprahamian, who formed the Arabesque Trust shortly before his death, to support the education of blind musicians, and particularly organists.

Richard Moore, the award administrator, said: “I am delighted that we are able to award the scholarship to such a deserving candidate; and we are grateful to Viscount Classical Organs for their generosity and encouragement.”

David Mason, Managing Director of Viscount Classical Organs, said: “We are really pleased to be supporting The Aprahamian Scholarship. Focussing on providing the next generation of organ players with quality practice instruments and supporting their musical studies is very important to me. I know that Ivan will enjoy spending many hours on his Chorum instrument and will go on to do fantastic things.”