Genesis Sixteen begins

Friday, 29 July 2011

Genesis Sixteen is The Sixteen’s new training programme which aims to nurture the next generation of talented young voices and specifically to bridge the gap from student to professional practitioner.

In a few weeks time, the first in a series of intensive weekend and week-long courses led by key artists from The Sixteen, including founder and conductor Harry Christophers, will be held in London at the end of August.

For the young singers accepted on the programme, the courses will offer comprehensive training in the fundamental principles of consort singing, with an emphasis on ensemble, tuning and vocal blend, as well as introducing them to a variety of styles and periods of music.

Genesis Sixteen is the UK’s first fully-funded choral programme for young singers and the idea is to identify and nurture students with exceptional musical ability and the potential to become professional ensemble singers, an area in which The Sixteen is internationally renowned.  Routes into the world of professional choral singing are reducing in the UK, not least because Oxford and Cambridge choral scholarships are only available to those who obtain the very highest examination grades, and music conservatories still tend to tailor their training towards solo careers.

A unique partnership between The Sixteen and the Genesis Foundation means that the participants will receive a bursary for UK travel, accommodation and board costs while participating on the scheme‘s four courses, around the UK.

To learn more about Genesis Sixteen, please visit the Genesis Sixteen programme’s page on our website or The Sixteen’s website.