Reciting for Rodolfus

In the summer term of 2019, I decided to sign up for the Rodolfus Foundation’s choral course – full of excitement and anticipation.

by CIARA MORRIS

he opportunity was perfect

Tfor me: a week-long residential where I could sing choral music under the direction of expert musicians and in the company of those who enjoy it as much as I do. It sounded ideal.

However, along with every other 16-year-old’s summer plans, the public health crisis turned the ideal into the impossible. The summer course was cancelled. Disheartened by this news, I read through the email until I came across the encouraging phrase: ‘audition for the Rodolfus Choir’.

Taking initiative and a little bit of courage, I prepared an audition video of me singing ‘So in Love’ from ‘Kiss Me Kate’ - musicals always give me the most enjoyment and confidence when I sing. After six or so attempts of perfecting and performing, trying and testing everything, including the talented Mr Daldorph’s patience, I was happy with the video. The next step was sight-singing.

Over the delightful medium of Zoom communication, I had a conversation with the choir leader Ralph Allwood MBE, which eased my nerves before he tested my sight-singing.

We talked about everything from my A Level options to how I’ve been able to stay musically involved over lockdown. All that was left to do was sing and sit tight for the news.

When I found out, I was thrilled. The Rodolfus Choir is a prestigious youth choir based in London with its 300 members belonging to the age group of 16-25. That made me, their newest member, also one of the youngest. I knew that the Rodolfus choir could open doors for me, ranging from performances with the BBC and Philharmonic Orchestras to evensongs in cathedrals. Personally, I hope the Rodolfus Choir will train me for not only a choral scholarship in university, but a future that is full of choral singing and people to enjoy it with.