Philharmonia Chorus Professional Singers Scheme

The purpose of the scheme

The Chorus is establishing a pool of professional singers from which it will draw to take part in its concerts as members of the Chorus. The Philharmonia Chorus Professional Singers Scheme provides opportunities for professional singers in the early years of their careers.

How the scheme works

The Chorus, which is a registered charity, has created a restricted fund which is dedicated and ring-fenced for the purpose. Singers are drawn from the pool for particular concerts, the number of singers dependent on the demands of the work in question. It is important that the singers have the right attitude to be able and be willing to fit in with a Chorus of mainly amateur singers. The scheme has been running since the beginning of 2010, with impressive results. The Chorus has worked hard to create the right culture for a chorus comprising professional and high quality amateur singers. It has also provided opportunities for the singers to audition for solo parts in the Chorus’s own promotion concerts.

Who can apply?

Applications are invited from all singers in the first 10 years of their careers.

Audition

Applicants will need to sing the following arias:

Sopranos: Bach Cantata No.51, Aria No. 1, Jauchzet Gott in allen Landen
Altos: Bach St John Passion, Aria No. 30, Es ist vollbracht
Tenors: Bach Christmas Oratorio, No.15, Frohe Hirten
Basses: Bach Mass in B minor, No.10,  Quoniam tu solus sanctus
 
and a song by Schubert, Brahms, Schönberg or Britten.

All singers will be asked to sight read.

Remuneration

Singers will be paid Equity rates for rehearsals and concerts.

How to apply

To apply for an audition, please e-mail your CV to Celia Kent, Personnel Manager of the Philharmonia Chorus, to celia.kent@philharmoniachorus.co.uk. If you have any particular questions, or would like to contact a professional singer who is already in the scheme, you can telephone Celia on 07833 188 876.