Apply for Genesis Sixteen 2023-24 here
The Genesis Sixteen programme lasts for one year, during which singers take part in two week-long courses and two weekend courses; all courses are residential. There are 22 places available on the programme each year. To be eligible for the 2023-24 programme you must be aged between 18 and 23 on Sunday 20 August 2023, be a UK or Republic of Ireland citizen (i.e., possess a UK or Republic of Ireland passport) and be resident in these countries for the duration of the programme, and be free for all the course dates without exception, as follows:
Course 1: Oxford
Sunday 20 – Saturday 26 August 2023
Course 2: Location TBC
Friday 3 – Sunday 5 November 2023
Course 3: Location TBC
Friday 16 – Sunday 18 February 2024
Course 4: London
Monday 8 – Sunday 14 July 2024
Applications for the 2023-24 cohort are now open and the deadline for applications is Friday 3 February 2023 at 12pm.
To apply please:
- complete the online application form here
- as part of the application process, you will be asked to supply names and contact email addresses for TWO separate referees who can be contacted by us to supply a supporting reference. NB you are no longer required to ask your chosen referees to contact The Sixteen with a reference, as we will do that for you once applications close. You will find where to list your chosen referees on the application form
If you would prefer to apply using a Microsoft Word document, please email genesis-sixteen@thesixteen.com to request this.
Auditions
Auditions will take place in Bristol, London, Manchester, Belfast, and Glasgow between February and April 2023.
2023 Audition Dates
Bristol: Friday 24 February (at St George’s, Brandon Hill)
Glasgow: Tuesday 28 February (at Scottish Opera, Elmbank Crescent)
London: Monday 6 March, Tuesday 7 March, Friday 10 March, Monday 13 March, Tuesday 14 March (all at St Martin-in-the-Fields, Trafalgar Square)
Belfast: Thursday 30 March (at First Presbyterian Church, Rosemary Street)
*NB this date has now changed (auditions will no longer be taking place on 28th*
Manchester: Wednesday 12 & Thursday 13 April (at Chetham’s School of Music)
Audition Repertoire
Should you be successful in receiving an audition you will be asked to sing the following:
- Two songs from a prescribed set list provided by The Sixteen (see below)
- One contrasting, classical song from any period of your choice
- A short sight-reading test (if time permits)
Please choose two pieces from the repertoire list provided here, and a third piece of your own choice. The own choice piece can be from any era of classical music and should ideally contrast with the pieces you have prepared from the set list. Common choices include art song, lieder, opera arias and unaccompanied folk song settings. Please choose a piece no longer than 3-4 minutes in length.
You will not have a rehearsal with the pianist prior to the audition, but we advise that you take some time at the beginning of your audition to discuss tempi, repeats, etc. All auditions are filmed for shortlisting purposes.
All candidates will receive written feedback following the audition, and we do our best to make the experience as enjoyable and educational as possible.