Concordia Magazine 2025

Returning to sing in Handel’s Messiah at the School in March this year

Looking ahead, Harrison hopes to have an international career performing in opera houses all over the world but his focus remains on the journey itself. ‘Everything I’ve achieved goes back to a love of music nurtured at Merchant Taylors’, guided by exceptional teachers who inspired me every step of the way.’ And with that, our time is up. Harrison has a call to rehearse a scene in which he must win a knife fight against Don José. Harrison’s experiences are a reminder that the right encouragement, coupled with determination and joy in the process, can turn a school passion into a lifelong vocation, and that the music we make at school can echo for years to come. Emma Bindloss

Harrison’s advice to young musicians who are considering a career in music is both practical and inspiring. ‘Do it only if it’s a vocation. You have to take it seriously and be really passionate about it. Deciding to dedicate yourself to music full time is a big decision.’ He is also clear that there is no single path to success and that, while you might not get into your first-choice university, that does not mean you will not succeed. Harrison had originally hoped to go to the University of Cambridge but he did not get a place. He almost deferred for a year, and it was partly because of Covid that he went to Bristol, a decision he is now very pleased he made. You could say that Bristol led him to the Academy.

15 Concordia Winter 2025