Deadline for choral scholarship applications
11:55pm, Fri, 13 Nov 2026
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Type of event: Deadline Start time: 11:55pm Description: 
September 2026
The Newcastle upon Tyne Bach Choir is delighted to announce the introduction of two Choral Scholarships. Beginning in the 2026-27 academic year, these scholarships will offer aspiring singers an exciting opportunity to develop their understanding and appreciation of choral music under the guidance of the choir’s Music Director, Professor Eric Cross. The Choral Scholars will receive financial support and there will be regular opportunities to perform as part of the choir and from time to time as soloists.
The Choral Scholars Scholarships are open to students aged 17 or older who are in school, further or higher education. Scholars.would be expected to start in January 2027 and the post would run for the remainder of the academic year. The scholarship(s) may be extended for the following season by agreement between the choral scholar and the choir, up to a maximum of three years.
We intend to offer two Choral Scholarships and ideally, we would like one of the successful candidates to be a Tenor.
Newcastle upon Tyne Bach Choir
The choir, founded in 1915, is made up of around 100 singers. We rehearse regularly in the King’s Hall (Armstrong Building, Newcastle University). Whilst we regularly sing the works of J.S. Bach – last year we performed the Mass in B minor – the choir also performs a variety of other choral music from the Renaissance period to the present day. In November 2024 we performed Britten’s St Nicolas together with Songs of the North, a new commission by one of the leading contemporary British composers, Cecilia McDowall. We often perform with the fine period instrument orchestra Newcastle Baroque and internationally renowned soloists.
Purpose of the Scholarship
The scholarships are designed to:- Support and encourage aspiring young singers who either live in, or are studying in Newcastle and the wider North East.
- Offer financial incentives for singers to enhance their learning opportunities and as a reward for their commitment to our choir.
- Provide the opportunity for guidance, mentoring and practical experience as they develop their performance skills.
Choral Scholars will be expected to:- Attend rehearsals which are usually on Monday evenings 6.30-8.30 during university term-time, approximately 10 rehearsals per term;
- Sing in the choir and participate fully in learning repertoire for the year;
- Attend and take part in all the choir’s concerts and performances unless otherwise agreed with the Music Director – we usually sing four concerts a year with the occasional extra event;
- Abide by the choir’s policies including on safeguarding, health and safety, social media;
- Assist with publicising concerts both on social media and other means.
Choral Scholars will receive a sum of £500 per term as well as free membership of the choir.
Personal Specification- Scholarships are open to students aged 17 or older who are in school, further or higher education.
- Strong, confident singer who can lead others in learning and performing challenging repertoire.
- Experience of choral music with a working knowledge of a various genres of choral music.
- Good interpersonal skills and the ability to inspire other singers and to fit into a friendly and encouraging group.
- Preference for one of the two scholars to be a Tenor.
- Preference may be given to someone with an interest in pursuing a musical career.
Applications should be emailed to chair@newcastlebachchoir.org.uk no later than Friday 13 November 2026. Candidates should include a CV and recording (c.2-3 minutes). Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend a rehearsal, probably on 23 November 2026, to meet the choir and discuss the opportunity with the Chair or Vice-Chair and Music Director. Candidates will be auditioned by the Music Director to test their aural and sight-reading skills.
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