Become an ECS Choral Scholar in 2025/26

Are you an aspiring professional singer? Would you like to take a leading role in a choral society and develop your solo singing? Apply to become a Choral Scholar with Eltham Choral Society and earn £1000 a year!

We are seeking to appoint up to four choral scholars for the 2025-26 season, (September 2025 – July 2026).

The scholarships are designed for aspiring professional singers who wish to develop their skills in and provide experience of ensemble and choral society solo-singing. They will be expected to take on some of the solo parts in some of our forthcoming concerts including the Mozart Requiem in October 2025 and Messiah in December 2025.

An annual stipend of £1,000 will be paid to each scholar following regular attendance at our Thursday rehearsals .

What we expect from you:

• Regular attendance at Thursday rehearsals at St. Luke’s Church Eltham between 19:30-21:30. We expect our scholars to attend a minimum of 70% of rehearsals over each term
• To provide strong and confident musical leadership for members of the section
• Mandatory attendance at all the main concerts of the season
• To support the choir publicity team with support on social media

What we can offer you:

• An annual stipend of £1,000 paid in three instalments at the end of each term, following regular attendance at our Thursday rehearsals. (December £300, Easter £300, Summer £400.)
• Opportunities for solos in main concerts (dependent on repertoire)
• One coaching session a term with our Musical Director, Max Barley
• At least one ‘Scholars’ Recital’ a year

Audition Information:

Auditions will take place on 8th May 2025 from 3.30.pm at St.Luke’s Church Eltham Park SE9 1XQ. Prospective choral scholars will be asked to:

1. Sing two pieces – one baroque aria and a contrasting piece of your choice
2. Choral reading – an extract to be sent in advance, and a short sight-reading piece

How to apply?

Please send by e mail a CV, a brief covering letter and a recent recording to the Director of Music, Max Barley, maxbarley89@ gmail.com

Closing date extended to Thursday 1st May 2025.

Applicants will be notified as soon as possible after the deadline whether they have been selected for audition. For further information, please contact Max Barley (Musical Director)  or Sue Quirk (Chair, Eltham Choral Society).