Ilkley Choral Society (ICS) are looking to appoint choral scholars to assist with weekly rehearsals and concerts in the 2023-24 Season.

The choir are an ambitious and friendly group of around 60 singers who enjoy singing large scale choral works. Most of their concerts are performed alongside their sister organisation, Otley Choral Society. Rehearsals take place from 7.30-9.30pm on Monday evenings at Christ
Church in Ilkley – a venue which is easily accessible by train from Leeds & Bradford. Extra duties may sometimes be necessary from 7pm. We are welcoming applications from all voice types.

These Choral Scholarships are aimed at budding professional singers aged 18-30 who are looking to work in the music field as a soloist, an ensemble singer, or with choirs in some capacity. It is particularly suitable for those looking to broaden their knowledge of choral repertoire, improve their sight-singing, gain performance experience and work on their leadership skills.

There will be an honorarium of £1,000 per year.

The scholarships will run from September 2023 through to June 2024.

What we are looking for:

  • Strong vocal leadership during concerts and rehearsals
  • Someone with strong musical literacy and choral experience
  • Attendance at rehearsals on Monday evenings from 7.30-9.30pm at Christ Church in Ilkley (occasional rehearsals can be missed if previously agreed with our MD)
  • Attendance at the Concert Dates (see below)
  • Someone friendly that will work well as part of the ICS team

What we can offer:

  • The space to broaden your knowledge of choral repertoire
  • Performance experience
  • Occasional solo and ensemble singing opportunities
  • Coaching from our Musical Director Jennifer Sterling

Auditions

Audition dates will be decided in conjunction with applicants availability. Auditions will last around 15 minutes and a pianist will be provided. Auditions will include the following;

  • Two contrasting pieces
  • Some sight-reading
  • A short interview

Compulsory Concert Dates

Smyth Mass in D   18/11/23
Handel Messiah    16/12/23
Bach St John’s Passion   23/03/24
Summer Concert    22/6/24
Choral Scholars Concert   TBC

How to Apply

Please send your CV with a cover letter detailing relevant experience, and how this scholarship might benefit you and your future goals, to secretary@ilkleychoral.org.uk

The deadline for applications is on Wednesday 19th July 2023 – APPLICATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED

Choral scholars selected for 2022/23

Ciara Reed (Soprano), Thomas Coyle (Tenor), and Charles Murray (Bass) have been appointed as Ilkley Choral Society’s first ever choral scholars, after the programme to support budding young professional singers was launched earlier this year. They will be aiding the choir in their rehearsals and concerts throughout the year.

Ciara Reed recently graduated from the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire with an undergraduate and master’s degree in vocal performance, before moving to Yorkshire to work as a professional soprano. Ciara now sings as a Soprano Choral Scholar at Leeds Cathedral. She has enjoyed recent performances as a soprano soloist singing the Messiah, Rutter’s Requiem and Faure’s Requiem. Teaching also plays a big part in Ciara’s musical life. She currently tutors private students on a one-to-one basis for those that wish to sing for fun and those preparing for auditions and exams.

Charles Murray also recently finished his studies at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, graduating his masters with distinction. His first degree was from the University of Huddersfield where he graduated with a first-class honour’s degree in music, majoring in performance. During his time in Yorkshire, he held the position of bass choral scholar at Bradford Cathedral for 2 years. In February 2020, Charles undertook the role of Don Giovanni in Leeds Youth Opera’s production of the Mozart opera and was awarded the 2021 LeedsCAN Guild award for best leading male. Charles’ most recent highlight has been singing with Waterperry Opera Festival as one of their Young Artists in their production of Le Nozze Di Figaro.

Born and raised in Liverpool, lyric tenor Tom Coyle is about to complete a Bachelors of Music at the Royal Northern College of Music where he has studied under Paul Nilon. Tom has performed across England as a soloist and choir member, with particularly fond memories of performing and recording Vaughan William’s Sea Symphony with the Royal Philharmonic Liverpool Choir. He has worked on stage with the RNCM Opera department, performing the roles of Jaquino (Beethoven’s Fidelio) and Dr Cajus (Verdi’s Falstaff) in Opera Scene performances, and has been a chorus member for RNCM’s productions of The Cunning Little Vixen and Die Fledermaus.

We are very much looking forward to working with these talented young singers, and experiencing the expertise, knowledge and leadership that they will bring to the choir.