Genesis Sixteen seeks applicants for its sixth year group

Thursday, 19 November 2015

Harry Christophers has begun the search for the 2016-17 group of Genesis Sixteen, The Sixteen’s prestigious free young artists’ scheme funded by the Genesis Foundation. Applications are now open (until Friday 15 January 2016) to 18 – 23 year old students who have what it takes to become a professional ensemble singer. Click here for full details of how to apply.

Now in its sixth year, Genesis Sixteen continually seeks to nurture singers with exceptional musical ability, providing them with invaluable networking opportunities as they make the transition from student to professional singer. Participants receive group tuition, individual mentoring and masterclasses run by some of the industry’s top vocal experts.

During the course of a year, a series of week-long and weekend courses are led by key figures from The Sixteen, including founder and conductor Harry Christophers and Associate Conductor Eamonn Dougan, the first of which will be in Oxford in August 2016.

Genesis Sixteen in Cardiff, 2015

The programme is funded by the Genesis Foundation enabling participants not only to receive free tuition, but also a bursary to cover all additional costs. Since graduating, many alumni are currently performing, recording and touring with professional groups including The Sixteen, and a number have gone on to set up their own very successful choirs. The most recent example of this success is counter tenor Eddie McMullan (Genesis Sixteen year 1) who is now the first Genesis Sixteen alumnus to become a full core member of The Sixteen. Eddie is also a member of Genesis spin-off group Eo Nomine, who signed to Hazard Chase last year.

Harry Christophers commented:

‘Last week I asked Eddie to become a regular member of The Sixteen. I was delighted that his answer was an unreserved yes followed by “can I tell my mum or is it under wraps for a few days!” Eddie was one of the hand-picked singers for the first ever Genesis Sixteen in 2011 and he absolutely embodies what we are trying to teach young singers through Genesis – he combines excellent skills in ensemble singing with being a good team player and colleague and contributes to every element of the group. He personifies what Genesis Sixteen is all about.’

To read more about the Genesis Foundation and Genesis Sixteen click here.