Choir welcomes young scholars

NICHOLAS Collins and Leif Taylor have been awarded choral scholarships for the Ballarat Anglican Cathedral choir.

The scholars will join the choir for the year to be trained in choral singing, solo cantoning, and choir organisation and management.

Collins is a former Ballarat Grammar student who recently returned from Manchester, where he studied as an opera masters student.

He said he is excited to be back in Ballarat for this new challenge.

“This opportunity will provide invaluable support for my vocal training while nurturing a safe and inspiring environment for the continued growth of my musicianship,” Collins said.

“Ballarat Anglican Cathedral has played a significant role in my musical journey, making it especially meaningful to return as a choral scholar for 2025.

“I am deeply grateful to the Music Foundation of Ballarat Anglican Cathedral for making this experience possible.”

Taylor is studying at the Federation University Arts Aademy and has previously studied at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts.

The pair joined the choir for the first time earlier this month.

Music director Lyndell Allen said it is great to have some new members.

“We met them in the panel… but it’s been really exciting for me to see how quickly they’ve assimilated,” she said.

“Especially with Leif because they are not familiar with the style of the church and the church in general, but they’ve very quickly been adopted by their soprano section and slotted right in and are carrying their load.

“Both singers are definitely leading, which is what we hope they aspire to as they continue throughout the year.”