Philharmonia Chorus Student Scheme

In 2012 the Philharmonia Chorus launched its Student Scheme to sit between its pool of high quality amateur singers and its highly regarded Professional Singer Scheme. The Scheme provides an opportunity for younger singers to gain experience of rehearsals and concerts of international standard both in the UK and abroad in a friendly and supportive environment.

Applications are welcomed from singers who are currently studying at music college with a view to becoming professional singers or who have recently graduated either at undergraduate or postgraduate level. Membership is offered initially for a five-year fixed term which can be extended at the discretion of the Chorus Master by a further two years.

We encourage student members to sing with the Chorus regularly which will involve attending a set number of rehearsals for each project. Occasionally, there is an element of selection depending on the work, venue, and conductor's requirements. We rehearse two evenings a week on Wednesday and Thursday 6.30-9.00 pm, usually at the Indian YMCA, 41 Fitzroy Square, London W1T 6AQ. (Warren Street Underground). Map: Indian YMCA

Those selected from the Scheme for concerts will be paid a fee for each project, depending on the work and the rehearsal requirements. The fee is set at the London Living Wage rate for each hour of rehearsal and performance. Music is provided free of charge and places on tours are free.

Audition Requirements

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

Soprano Either 'Quia respexit humilitatem' (Bach Magnificat) or both arias 'How beautiful are the feet' and 'Come unto Him' (Messiah)

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

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

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

Singers will also be asked to sight read.

For general inquiries about the scheme
Contact Personnel Manager Rosslyn Panatti
email: rosslyn.panatti@philharmoniachorus.co.uk

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