Paid Scholarship Opportunities with Halifax Choral Society
Halifax Choral Society is proud to be one of the most eminent names of the UK choral tradition and claims to be the world’s oldest in continuous existence. The choir has about 70 members, all auditioned, and sings to a high standard.
Throughout its long history the Society has worked with first class orchestras including the Hallé, Northern Philharmonic, CBSO, many of the BBC’s orchestras, the Hanover Band, the Orchestra of Opera North, the Manchester Concert Orchestra, the Northern Sinfonia and the North of England Concert Orchestra. The HCS also benefits from a close professional relationship with the world-famous Black Dyke Band and many illustrious conductors and soloists.
The choir is looking to appoint 4 choral scholars for the 2023/2024 Season. We are aiming to appoint one each of SATB but, depending on the candidates, we may diverge from that, particularly if we have multiple outstanding candidates in a voice part where the choir is less strong.
These scholarships may suit young singers who are looking to learn the oratorio repertoire in preparation for work as a professional choral singer or soloist. There will be solo and semi-chorus opportunities, for which you will receive coaching from the Artistic Director and Conductor, Anthony Gray, and, depending on the candidates experience and ambitions, there may be opportunities to develop other skills such as conducting or coaching individual singers or small groups. There is no age limit for the scholarships but we imagine they will suit sixth form, undergraduate or postgraduate students.
Rehearsals take place between 7.30pm and 9.30pm on Monday evenings at The Carlton Centre, Harrison Road, Halifax. HX1 2AD. Successful candidates would be expected to attend most of the Monday rehearsals (no fewer than 35 during the year) and the choir’s four main concerts during the year.
There is an honorarium of £750 for the year, payable in three instalments, termly, in arrears.
If you would like to apply, or would like to ask any questions ahead of applying, please e-mail Anthony Gray, Artistic Director and Conductor at conductor@halifaxchoral.org
You should include a covering letter and a curriculum vitae, outlining briefly your relevant experience, your plans for the future as a singer, and how you think the scholarship would help your development.
There is no closing date for applications – we will aim to audition and appoint any suitable candidates as soon as applications come in.
Below: Choral singers of the future - the talented musicians of Bradshaw Primary School Choir, conducted by Julia Baker
