Philharmonia Chorus Student Scheme

Launched in 2012, the Philharmonia Chorus Student Scheme bridges the gap between our outstanding amateur singers and our highly regarded Professional Singer Scheme. It offers talented young singers the opportunity to gain valuable experience rehearsing and performing choral works at an international level both in the UK and abroad within a friendly, supportive environment.

Students selected to perform in concerts receive a fee per project, based on the rehearsal and performance commitment, and calculated at the London Living Wage rate.

We welcome applications from students currently studying vocal studies at music college, as well as from recent graduates (within the past two years, undergraduate or postgraduate).

Membership is initially offered for a fixed term of five years, with the possibility of extension in certain cases.

Student members are encouraged to take part regularly in Chorus performances, which includes attending a designated number of rehearsals for each project. From time to time, participation may be subject to selection, depending on the repertoire, venue, and conductor's requirements.

Rehearsals take place twice a week on Wednesday and Thursday evenings from 18:30 to 21:00 typically at the Indian YMCA, 41 Fitzroy Square, London W1T 6AQ (nearest underground station: Warren Street).

For all tours, travel, hotel accommodation, and breakfast are fully covered by the Chorus. Music is loaned at no cost for the duration of each project.

To apply for an audition, please email a copy of your current CV to our Auditions Coordinator Ayano Sasaki-Crawley: ayano@philharmoniachorus.co.uk

Audition requirements

Singers will be required to sing a Lied of their own choice, in German, by either Brahms, Schubert, Schumann or Wolf, plus one aria from the following:

Soprano 'Quia respexit humilitatem' (Bach Magnificat), 'How beautiful are the feet' (Messiah), or 'Come unto Him' (Messiah)

Alto/Mezzo 'Esurientes implevit bonis' (Bach Magnificat) or 'He shall feed his flock' (Messiah)

Tenor 'Deposuit potentes' (Bach Magnificat), 'Behold and see' (Messiah) or 'Thy rebuke hath broken his heart' (Messiah)

Bass 'Großer Herr' (Weihnachtsoratorium) or 'For behold ..The people that walked in darkness' (Messiah)

Singers will also be asked to sight read.