Applications for 2024-25

Applications for Genesis Sixteen 2024-25 are now OPEN

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 2024-25 programme you must be aged between 18 and 23 on Sunday 18 August 2024, be a permanent UK or Republic of Ireland citizen (i.e., possess a UK or Republic of Ireland passport), 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 18 – Saturday 24 August 2024

Course 2: Cumnock, Scotland
Friday 22 – Sunday 24 November 2024

Course 3: Cardiff
Friday 16 – Sunday 18 February 2025

Course 4: London
Sunday 6 – Sunday 13 July 2025

Applications for the 2024-25 cohort are now open and the deadline for applications is Friday 26 January 2024 at 12pm.

To apply please:

• complete the online application form here
• as part of the application 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. At least one of your chosen referees should be able to comment on your choral experience and music making abilities. Examples of referees you could choose are: choir leaders; music teachers from school; university lecturers; singing teachers; personal tutors. If you are unsure of who to choose, please get in touch with Jess, the Genesis Sixteen Manager, on jess@thesixteen.com to discuss options.

If you would prefer to apply using a Microsoft Word document, please email jess@thesixteen.com to request this.

The Sixteen is committed to delivering programmes that promote inclusion and diversity and strive to remove barriers making choral singing accessible to all. We would therefore like to strongly encourage applications from singers of all backgrounds.

Auditions

Auditions will take place in London, Bristol, Derry (Northern Ireland), Manchester, Leeds, and Glasgow between February and April 2024.

2024 Audition Dates

London: Tuesday 27 February, Friday 8 March, Tuesday 19 March, Tuesday 2 April, Friday 12 April* (all at St Martin-in-the-Fields Church, Trafalgar Square)
*NB auditions will no longer be taking place on Tuesday 5 March, and have been rescheduled for this new date, Friday 12 April

Bristol: Friday 1 March (at St George’s (Concert Hall), Brandon Hill)

Derry, Northern Ireland: Wednesday 13 March AND/OR Thursday 14 March TBC (we will confirm this as soon as applications close. To take place at Ulster University Londonderry Campus Music Recital Room

Manchester: Monday 25 March (at Chetham’s School of Music)

Leeds: Tuesday 26 March (at Leeds Cathedral)

Glasgow: Wednesday 27 March (at Scottish Opera, Elmbank Crescent)

Audition Repertoire

Should you be successful in receiving an audition you will be asked to sing the following:

• One song from a prescribed set list provided here
• A second contrasting, classical song from any period of your choice
• A short sight-reading test (if time permits)

Your own choice piece can be from any era of classical music and should ideally contrast with the piece 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 be given the choice of which order you perform your pieces in. If you are unsure of what to pick and would like some advice on this, please don’t hesitate to contact Jess on jess@thesixteen.com

You will not have a rehearsal with the pianist prior to the audition, but the panel will invite you to take some time at the beginning of your audition to discuss tempi, repeats, etc. with the accompanist. All auditions are videoed 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.