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| 13 Oct 2025 | |
| Alumni News |
On Saturday, 11 October, Wells Cathedral School warmly welcomed three new Foundation Fellows in an evening of celebration. More than 40 guests joined us for this special occasion.
The evening held an additional moment of significance it featured the first public performance of our recently donated harp, a beautiful addition to our musical community.
In introduction, Chris Seaton (OW 1979), who recieved an Assissted Place to come to School at Wells and is now Chair of the Foundation said,
The harp that Sonny will be playing is a donation from the late Elizabeth Rowe and this is its debut performance since arriving. Particularly fitting for a Foundation Fellows dinner.
Liz's sister wrote: Liz had wanted her most treasured and valuable instrument, the Salvi harp, to go to where it will not only be played and cared for, but will give young musicians the joy of playing a really beautiful instrument, something that few pupils would usually have access to. She knew John Baxter, retired Head Master and also knew and played with an OW violinist, Nel Freegard (2004).
Liz died on 22nd January 2025 and will be so pleased that her legacy contribution lives on in such an incredible place.
Sonny went on to play Au Matin by Tournier.
The Foundation Fellowships hold a special place within the life of Wells Cathedral School and the Foundation. They recognise not only the talents and achievements of an individual, but also represent the spirit of service that is integral to both our School and wider society.
We are proud to honour the following new Fellows for their outstanding contributions and continued commitment to the Wells community:
David is an Emmy-nominated British composer renowned for his scores in film, television, and video games, including "Jason Bourne," "The Sandman," and "The Good Wife ". David began his musical career as a Chorister here in Wells performing on Peter Gabriel’s score for Martin Scorsese’s "The Last Temptation of Christ" and later studied music at Cambridge University. Now based between Wells and Los Angeles, his honors include BMI Film & TV Awards, a BAFTA “Brit to Watch” mention, and a 2017 Emmy nomination for "The Good Fight" theme.
Elizabeth was Head here at Wells Cathedral School for 18 years, always conscious of standing on the shoulders of giants, and trying to champion a balance of curiosity, musical excellence , academic achievement, sporting accomplishment and great pastoral care. She enjoyed opportunities, with outstanding colleagues at school and in the cathedral, to develop the site with new and refurbished buildings like Cedars Hall.
Before that, she was Deputy Head at Christ’s Hospital, overseeing the merger of the girls’ and boys’ schools, after beginning her career as an English teacher.
Retirement in 2018 took her to Bristol, with her husband Andrew, who appointed her to her first job. She is a Lay Canon and member of Chapter at Bristol Cathedral and continues to serve the educational community as a consultant. As a member of the Worshipful Company of Ironmongers she is Chair of the Members of the Single Academy Trust of Sir Robert Geffrey’s School in Landrake which takes her further into the West Country from time to time.
She says is in awe of all that her successor here at Wells and his team are achieving now.
Antonia is a London-born figurative painter celebrated for her evocative, psychologically rich works exploring memory and human relationships. Working in oil on linen and paper, her misty, dreamlike landscapes feature solitary or paired figures seamlessly merging with their surroundings. Antonia earned a MA from the Slade School of Fine Art and a BA (Hons) from City and Guilds of London Art School. Her work is held in prominent collections including the British Museum. Recipient of awards including the New Contemporaries Studio Bursary and Henry Tonks Award, she has exhibited internationally at galleries such as White Cube, Timothy Taylor, and Hauser & Wirth.
The evening closed with a sense of gratitude and inspiration—a reminder of how the Wells community continues to flourish through music, service, and shared purpose.
