Call for young singers as applications open for Genesis Sixteen

Wednesday, 21 November 2012

Harry Christophers and The Sixteen are conducting a nationwide search for young singers with a passion for ensemble singing as applications open for Genesis Sixteen 2013-14 – a free choral training programme for 18 to 23 year olds.

Launched in 2011 by The Sixteen in partnership with the Genesis Foundation, a UK charity that supports young artistic talent, Genesis Sixteen is the UK’s first fully-funded training programme designed to nurture students with exceptional musical ability and bridge the gap from student to professional practitioner.
During the course of the year, Genesis Sixteen’s 22 singers take part in four week-long and weekend courses across the UK, led by key artists from The Sixteen including Founder and Conductor Harry Christophers and Associate Conductor Eamonn Dougan. Participants receive group tuition, individual mentoring from members of The Sixteen, and masterclasses run by the industry’s top vocal experts.

Natasha Cutler, an alto on the current Genesis Sixteen course, says:

“From the word go you are plunged into an immensely vibrant atmosphere, encouraged to strive for the very best whilst surrounded by an incredibly supportive network. I can honestly say this has been one of the most rewarding musical experiences of my life.”

Support from the Genesis Foundation means that participants not only receive free tuition but also a bursary for all their UK travel, food and accommodation while participating in the programme.

Harry Christophers CBE says:

“I have come away from each session with these talented students feeling uplifted and conscious of just what is possible. Our aim is to identify and nurture the next generation of ensemble singers and I can safely say that what we have achieved in such a short space of time has produced amazing results. From our first year, I have already employed five alumni for concerts with The Sixteen, two have gained permanent positions in Westminster Cathedral Choir and the Norwegian chamber choir, KorVest. Others have been singing with such ensembles as Stile Antico, Platinum Consort, Apollo 5 and St Paul’s Cathedral choir. All are busy making music creatively. I couldn’t have asked for more.”

The team encourages applications from all young singers resident in the UK who have a passion for ensemble singing. Applicants must be aged between 18 and 23 on 1 September 2013 and receive regular singing lessons. Full details of how to apply are available on The Sixteen’s website: www.thesixteen.com

The deadline for applications to the 2013-14 course is Friday 18 January at 5pm.

Auditions will be held in London, Manchester, Cardiff and Glasgow in March 2013.

Notes to Editors

The Sixteen
After 32 years of worldwide performance and recording, The Sixteen is recognised as one of the world’s greatest ensembles. Comprising both choir and period-instrument orchestra, The Sixteen’s total commitment to the music it performs is its greatest distinction. A special reputation for performing early English polyphony, masterpieces of the Renaissance, bringing fresh insights into Baroque and early Classical music and a diversity of 20th-century music, is drawn from the passions of conductor and founder Harry Christophers.

The Sixteen are ‘The Voices of Classic FM’ and Associate Artists of The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester. The group promotes The Choral Pilgrimage, an annual tour which aims to bring music back to the buildings for which it was written. Over 100 recordings, including many award-winners, reflect The Sixteen’s quality in a range of work. In 2009 The Sixteen were given the accolade of the Classic FM Gramophone ‘Artist of the Year’ award [the only ensemble in the award’s history to ever win this category] as well as winning ‘Baroque Vocal’ for their recording of Handel’s Coronation Anthems. In 2012 Harry Christophers received a CBE for services to music in The Queen’s Birthday Honours List. www.thesixteen.com

The Genesis Foundation is a UK-based charity established in 2001 by John Studzinski. The aim of the Foundation is to nurture and develop artistic excellence by funding specially created programmes with organisations working in the fields of music, theatre, dance and the visual arts. The Foundation’s current partners are: LAMDA, the Royal College of Art, the Royal Court, The Sixteen, the Young Vic and Welsh National Opera. www.genesisfoundation.org.uk