2025/26
2025/26 MONTEVERDI APPRENTICES
PROGRAMME
We are now accepting applications from singers for the 2025-26 Monteverdi Apprentices Programme. This iteration of the scheme will run from July 2025 until July 2026. It is aimed at those with an interest in ensemble singing and the work of the Monteverdi Choir, who are either coming to the end of their musical studies or at the early stages of their singing career.
INTRODUCTION
The Monteverdi Apprentices Programme was set up in 2007, the first of its kind in the UK, its aim being to nurture musical talent and a passion for ensemble performance. We hope to address some of the myriad challenges faced by emerging classical musicians, by embedding them within the Monteverdi ensembles and equipping them with the skills, training and specific experience required to continue a sustainable professional career.
Our choral Apprentices will be integrated into the Monteverdi Choir, joining them and our two period instrument orchestras (the English Baroque Soloists and Orchestre Révolutionnaire et Romantique) augmenting our musical forces for concert projects in London and on tour in Europe. They will, in addition, take part in a range of workshops and masterclasses led by international singers, conductors, Jonathan Sells, and other experts in their respective fields.
“The apprenticeship has exposed me to a level of music making I have never experienced before and continues to inspire me.”
Joseph Taylor, 2023-24 Apprentice
WHAT DOES THE APPRENTICES PROGRAMME OFFER?
Mentoring from a current Monteverdi Choir singer
Each Apprentice will be matched to an experienced member of the Monteverdi Choir who is on hand to provide artistic advice and practical support throughout the year. Mentors will establish clear goals and action points with their Apprentices at the start of the Programme and will ensure that these are met throughout the year.
“One of the most valuable aspects of the scheme is the mentoring element; having a member of the ensembles whom you can approach with any questions – musical or otherwise – and can offer advice and even further performing opportunities”
James Quilligan, 2018-19 Apprentice (went on to study at the Alexander Gibson Opera Studio at the RCS, now a successful opera singer)
Workshop sessions covering a range of musical and non-musical fields
Apprentices receive personal and group tuition from Jonathan Sells, their mentors, and international experts and performers. These typically cover:
• Vocal coaching on specific repertoire with artists including Mark Padmore & Dame Sarah Connolly
• Language coaching
• Movement and stagecraft
• Mental health and wellbeing within the music industry
Christophe Rousset, Sarah Connolly, Pablo Heras-Casado and Mark Padmore
Rehearsal preparation
Apprentices will take part in extra preliminary rehearsals to help them become familiar with the repertoire and the specific musical techniques and direction required for projects with the Monteverdi ensembles. These are augmented with sessions covering related repertoire and languages.
“Being a Monteverdi Apprentice has radically transformed the way I approach all music-making.”
Billie Robson, 2023/24 Apprentice
The experience of performing a wide variety of repertoire on tour
We believe it is vital for musicians to gain early experience of the rigours of international touring, and our feedback from past participants tells us how much this is valued. Apprentices will perform within the Monteverdi Choir in paid professional engagements in London and on tour in Europe, and all their expenses are paid whilst on tour.
“The Apprentices Programme offers such a high level of training and music-making because you are embedded within the ensembles; you are held to the same account as everyone else. It is a level above other schemes I have been a part of”
Jonathan Hanley, 2018/19 Apprentice (has performed with the Monteverdi Choir in all major projects since finishing the Apprentices Programme)
Apprentices workshops with David Watkin (L) and Dietrich Henschel (R)
A platform upon which to launch a performing career
Apprentices learn first-hand about the exacting demands and working practices of an internationally renowned ensemble. Workshops also culminate in showcase performances to industry professionals, family and supporters to prepare Apprentices for marketing themselves in their burgeoning careers.
“The Monteverdi Apprenticeship has been high valuable in helping me understand how much more depth I can add to performances of my own.”
Henry Saywell, 2023/24 Apprentice
“The Apprenticeship has helped me develop my confidence in navigating a career that incorporates both solo and choral work.”
Claire Ward, 2023/24 Apprentice
There is no upper or lower age limit for the Apprentices Programme, but applicants should be mindful of the fact that the Programme is aimed at musicians who have recently completed their studies and are intending to embark (or who have recently embarked) on a professional career.
If you would like any further information either about the Apprentices Programme of the Monteverdi ensembles in general, please visit our website (www.monteverdi.co.uk) or contact:
James Halliday (james@monteverdi.org.uk)
2023/24 Apprentice workshop with Mark Padmore and James Cheung
We aim to appoint up to eight choral Apprentices for 2025/26, who will take part in several projects with the Monteverdi Choir, alongside our two orchestras, the English Baroque Soloists and Orchestre Révolutionnaire et Romantique. Exactly which performances Apprentices undertake will be decided once appointed, but Apprentices may be called for the following periods:
PROJECTS DATES
Auditions in London 1-2 May 2025
Observe Bach cantata rehearsals with Masaaki Suzuki (optional) 16-19 June 2025
Handel/Bach with Jonathan Sells 26-28 July, 2-4 September 2025
Mozart Requiem with Pablo Heras-Casado 15-20 September 2025
Rossini with Jakob Lehmann 25 September – 2 October 2025
Handel with Christophe Rousset & Sarah Connolly 6-16 December 2025
Bach with Peter Whelan & Mark Padmore 24-8 February and 1-6, 10-13 March 2026
Purcell The Fairy Queen with Jonathan Sells 15-26 May 2026
Rehearsals and Apprentice showcase performance 6-10 July 2026
Apprentices are always very welcome to observe rehearsals for projects in which they are not taking part – further details will be provided to successful applicants.
FEEDBACK
In addition to ad hoc feedback during workshops and rehearsals, verbal and written feedback will be provided on a regular and ongoing basis from mentors, Jonathan Sells and other tutors where possible. At the end of the year Apprentices will be asked to write a brief report on their experience and they will be considered for further professional engagements by the Monteverdi Choir.
REMUNERATION
All touring expenses (travel, accommodation and per diems) outside of the UK will be covered. Apprentices will be paid a fee for each concert project in which they participate (including associated rehearsals), as well as any additional broadcast, recording, streaming fees, etc. Singers who are not London-based must note that, unfortunately, any expenses incurred in travelling to and staying in London for rehearsals and concerts cannot be covered.
2023/24 Apprentices backstage at the Concertgebouw, Amsterdam
HOW TO APPLY
Step 1 - Application Form:
Please fill in our simple online Application Form on Google Forms (you do not need a Google account): https://forms.gle/NKvz3yBgLfd8nsjw5
Step 2 - Supporting Materials:
Please email copies of the following items, or provide links (via OneDrive, Dropbox, Google Drive, YouTube etc.) to auditions@monteverdi.org.uk with the subject line “Monteverdi Apprentices Application”:
• One or two recent audio or video recordings of no more than 5 minutes in length of you singing a solo piece relevant to the work of the Monteverdi Choir. We do not expect professional quality audio, but your submission should represent your ability as faithfully as possible. Details of our past, present and future projects are on our website: www.monteverdi.co.uk. If this is a barrier to you making an application, please contact us. Please name the file in the format: Last name, first name – Recording
• A single page CV, detailing any relevant musical experience. Please name the file in the format: Last name, first name - CV
• Completed MCO Equality and Diversity Monitoring Form: click here
• Separately, please arrange for a reference from a current teacher, conductor or director to be sent.
Please ensure that you are available for the audition dates and projects listed above before making your application.
Applications close at 10:00am on Friday 11 April 2025
The Monteverdi Choir and Orchestras Limited is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to the equal treatment of all current and prospective employees, and we do not condone discrimination on the basis of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, gender identity, or marriage and civil partnership. We aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply for the Monteverdi Apprentices Programme.
WHAT NEXT?
After an initial selection based on an assessment of recordings, CVs and references, we will inform successful applicants if they have been shortlisted for the first round of auditions. We regret that it is not possible to acknowledge all applications, and only successful applicants will be contacted once the deadline has passed.
AUDITIONS
• First round auditions will take place in central London on 1-2 May 2025 from 10am-6:30pm
AUDITION REQUIREMENTS
Please prepare three pieces:
• That cover at least two different languages, neither of which is your first language
• That between them cover at least two different historical periods, one of which must be Baroque You may only be asked to sing two of these.
An accompanist will be provided. Applicants should note that the accompanying instrument will be a grand piano tuned to A=440Hz, or a clavinova for repertoire at A=415Hz.
Please be prepared to speak briefly about why you are applying and what you hope to get out of the Apprentices Programme.
CONTACT US
Should you require any further information, please email James Halliday: James@monteverdi.org.uk. If any of the requirements above represent a barrier for you, and you would like to discuss this further, please also contact James for a confidential discussion.
