Audition Opportunity

Sestina Music is now accepting applications for our 2023-24 Next Generation Mentoring Programme. We are delighted to be visiting Cork this year for a morning of auditions, however places are limited and will be offered to Cork/Kerry based applications first. Closing date for applications is Monday 9 October, 5 pm.

Applications are now open for these dates*.

23 October 2023 | MTU Cork School of Music | CORK
24 October 2023 | UCD Memorial Hall (Gabrieli Room) | DUBLIN
25 October 2023 | Fisherwick Presbyterian Church | BELFAST

*We will also be accepting applications for General Auditions on these dates, however, priority will remain with Next Generation applicants.

How to apply

Please send the following to [email protected] no later than Monday, 9th October, 5pm:

Your full name, address, date of birth and voice type
An up-to-date CV and
Your preferred Audition date/location

Auditions are allocated upon consideration of CVs as places are limited. Auditions in Cork will be reserved initially for those based in the Southwest of Ireland. Please note that late applications will not be considered.

Audition requirements

You will be required to perform two baroque arias, one of which must be by Handel.
Two additional sellotaped hard copies of your scores will be required on the day, along with a hard copy of your CV.

Who can apply

Our mentoring programme is aimed at aspiring professional singers or those who are considering a career in professional singing. It is not a requirement that you study music or voice at third level, but we would expect to see evidence of your ongoing commitment to vocal studies and/or choral singing.

We welcome applications from singers from 18-28 years of age, although there is some flexibility with the upper age limit depending on individual circumstances.

In line with our charitable objectives, we prioritise singers from or living in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, but we also welcome applications from singers in Great Britain.

About
Sestina Music’s Next Generation Mentoring Programme is a mentoring programme for young aspiring professional singers with a strong focus on early music. Unlike other young artist programmes which run as separate strands to an ensemble’s main performance activities, it is integral to our core work as an ensemble, giving young singers the opportunity to work alongside established professionals. Our focus is on developing versatile musicians, giving singers the chance to perform in ensembles of different sizes and as solo singers, and giving them valuable training in opera and stagecraft.

The earliest participants in our mentoring programme are now well established in their professional careers, performing regularly with ensembles such as Gabrieli Consort, Tenebrae, Monteverdi Choir, Grange Park Opera, Opera de Lyon, Garsington Opera and Welsh National Opera, as well as forming a core ensemble for Sestina Music’s showcase performances, touring and collaborations.