Genesis Sixteen
As well as offering 22 singers the amazing opportunity of being apart of Genesis Sixteen, we also have a Conducting Scholar each year.
The scholarship is fully funded and offers young conductors the opportunity to be mentored by conductor Harry Christophers and associate conductor Eamonn Dougan, as well as the chance to work with some of the best young ensemble singers in the country. The scholar is given the chance to observe each course, sing with the choir, lead their own rehearsals, receive 1-1 tuition, and conduct several pieces in performances throughout the year, including for BBC Radio 3 Broadcast. Many of our conducting scholar alumni have gone on to flourishing careers conducting and directing choirs of all abilities, including St Martin-in-the-Fields Church in London, English National Opera, National Youth Choirs of Great Britain, and many more.
To apply for the Genesis Sixteen Conducting Scholarship, you must be:
- aged between 23 and 28 on Sunday 23 August 2026
- be a full-time UK or Republic of Ireland citizen (i.e., possess a British or Irish passport), and be resident in these countries for the duration of the programme
- serious about conducting and has experience of conducting choirs
- passionate about working with voices
- enthusiastic about The Sixteen’s repertoire
- some singing ability is an advantage as we find it beneficial for the scholar to sing with the choir when not conducting
- available for all the following course dates without exception:
Course 1: Oxford
Sunday 23 – Saturday 29 August 2026
Course 2: Barnsley, South Yorkshire
Friday 6 – Sunday 8 November 2026
Course 3: Cardiff
Friday 5 – Sunday 7 February 2027
Course 4: Tonbridge, Kent / London
Sunday 4 – Sunday 11 July 2027
Applications will open on Tuesday 5 May at midday, and more information about how to apply will be available then.