St Andrew's Cathedral is delighted to announce the re-establishment of its Choral Scholarships this autumn. They are seeking 4 accomplished young singers to join the Cathedral Music Department as Soprano, Alto, Tenor or Bass Choral Scholars.
The scholars will become a core part of the choral tradition, singing the great cathedral repertoire in a building with a superb acoustic.
Choral Scholars will collaborate with musicians from across the northeast of Scotland, receive training in the Anglican cathedral tradition, and develop their skills as part of a committed musical team.
What duties are involved?
- One Sunday a month singing Choral Evensong at 6.30pm.
- Other Sundays singing Choral Eucharist at 10.45pm.
- Sing at occasional diocesan and civic services as required.
- Attend rehearsals before services, either at 9.30am or 5.00pm.
- Attend a monthly Thursday evening rehearsal from 6.00pm to 7.30pm.
- What are the benefits?
Choral Scholars will each receive a scholarship grant of £1000.
Take part in a Chorister Training Day each term, led by visiting vocal specialists.
Receive additional payments for occasional wedding and funeral services.
Have opportunities for solo and ensemble performances in the Saturday Cathedral at Noon concert series.
What qualities and skills are we looking for?
- Have a love of singing.
- Be a confident music reader.
- Be able to sight-sing and be keen to improve.
- Be eager to learn a wide range of new repertoire.
- Have some experience of performing choral music.
- Enjoy being part of a dynamic team.
The Choral Scholarships will be awarded by audition at the Cathedral in mid-September.
At the audition, candidates will be asked to:
- Sing one song of your choice (accompanist will be available if required).
- Sing one piece selected by the Director of Music, which will be sent in advance.
- Sing a short piece of sight-singing.
- Answer a few questions about their musical experience and interest in becoming a Choral Scholar at St Andrew’s.
CONTACT INFORMATION
To express an interest or request an audition or for more information, contact Colin Stuart, Director of Music.
Choral Music at St Andrew’s
For many decades, the Cathedral has been recognised as a centre of excellence for choral music. Many musicians associated with its musical life have gone on to high-profile careers as conductors, singers and organists. The flourishing Treble Choir leads the music at Sunday morning Eucharists and looks forward to being joined by the Choral Scholars in the coming term. The Evening Choir draws on a pool of around 40 singers and conductors. It currently includes university students, pupils from Aberdeen City Music School and adults from across the northeast of Scotland. They gather to sing full Choral Evensong twice a month. A preparatory rehearsal before each service offers an opportunity to develop sight-reading and performance skills through a wide range of repertoire, from Tudor to contemporary music.
Do get in touch if you think you might fit the bill as a choral scholar. We are a welcoming, supportive team and look forward to sharing many hours of collaborative music-making with our new scholars.