Genesis Sixteen
Applications for our 2026-27 Genesis Sixteen Conducting Scholar are now open!
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 (please note we have increased the minimum age this year)
- 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
The Sixteen is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to delivering programmes that promote inclusion and diversity. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds.
To apply, please submit an online application here. The deadline for applications is 5pm on Friday 29 May 2026. The application must include:
- a link to a video(s) of you conducting a choir in two contrasting pieces. The video(s) must be taken from an angle showing you clearly face on, i.e. not at a side angle.
- a music CV
- a covering letter-style personal statement* with a few brief paragraphs on why you think you would be suited to the scholarship (please limit this to max. 2,000 characters, including spaces)
– *as an alternative to writing a statement, you are welcome to submit this in video format if you prefer. If you choose this form of personal statement, please limit the video to a maximum of 3 minutes in length, and upload it to your application in MP4 format - contact details for two separate referees that can be contacted directly by Jess, the Genesis Sixteen Manager, should they be required.
If you are successful in gaining an audition, auditions will take place in London on Monday 22 June 2026. To apply and accept your audition, you must be available on this day as we are unable to offer auditions on any other date. Further details about possible audition and repertoire will be sent to you after the application deadline has passed.
Please make sure to submit an online application by the deadline stated, and if you have any further questions or queries about the application process or the programme itself, please contact the Genesis Sixteen Manager, Jess Reader, on jess@thesixteen.com