Want the chance to conduct and sing in Genesis Sixteen? Apply to be their next conducting scholar.

Tuesday, 12 May 2015

In 2014 Genesis Sixteen introduced their first ever conducting scholarship. Fully-funded by the Genesis Foundation, the year-long scholarship offers a talented young conductor unparalleled access to tuition and mentorship from Harry Christophers and Eamonn Dougan, as well as the chance to work with some of the best young ensemble singers in the country.

Genesis Sixteen are now recruiting their next conducting scholar to work with the group and join them on four residential courses between August 2015 – July 2016. Over the course of a year the Genesis Foundation funds the scholar’s travel, accommodation, food and course tuition.

The first recipient of this scholarship was Robbie Jacobs. Since August 2014, Robbie has had the chance to observe all of Genesis Sixteen’s courses, sing with the choir himself, lead his own rehearsals and conduct a handful of pieces in each concert. He has also taken part in education and outreach work with The Sixteen.

In February this year Robbie conducted the choir during a masterclass with Sarah Connolly at one of Genesis Sixteen’s weekend courses in Cardiff and directed several movements of Handel’s Dixit Dominus with the RWCMD period orchestra Badinerie.

Watch this video about the course and hear first-hand from Robbie about his experience, as well as from members of Genesis Sixteen past and present who talk about the many opportunities that are offered to them.

Recommending the scholarship to other young conductors, Robbie says:

“Genesis Sixteen’s conducting scholarship has been a fantastic springboard for my career. The opportunity to learn from the expertise of Harry Christophers and Eamonn Dougan is invaluable, as is the chance to work with such a talented group of young singers. I would strongly urge any ambitious young conductor to apply.” 

Applicants must be:

• Aged between 21 and 26 on 24 August 2015
• Resident in the UK
• A final year student, a postgraduate student on a conducting course or a recent graduate from a conducting masters
• Passionate about choral conducting and working with voices
• Enthusiastic about The Sixteen’s repertoire
• Some singing ability is an advantage as we find it beneficial for the scholar to sing with the choir when not conducting

Applications can be submitted until 5pm on Friday 5 June. Click here for more details about the scholarship and how to apply.

To find out more about Genesis Sixteen, click here.