Opportunity for choral singers

YOUNG singers are being encouraged to apply for choral scholar positions at Ballarat Anglican Cathedral.

Choral scholars join the Cathedral choir for a year and are trained in choral singing, solo cantoning, and choir organisation and management.

The scholarship of the value of $3,000 is provided by the Cathedral Music Foundation and the application process involves a written submission, audition and interview.

People aged 18 to 30 with any voice type and choral or solo singing experience are encouraged to apply.

Previous choral scholar Lane Hyde said the experience was rewarding and allowed him to meet new people.

“Not only was I provided an opportunity to learn and perform with some of the best musicians in Ballarat, but I also gained a family,” he said.

“A collection of humans with some of the warmest hearts and biggest smiles you will ever meet who not only supported my musical career, but also cared for me like one of their own.”

Director of music Lyndell Allen said the positions provide an opportunity which would otherwise be unavailable in Ballarat.

“A lot of people who really enjoy singing will often have opportunities with school.

“Once they leave school, and even if they’re at university, there is often a bit of a hole there.

“In Ballarat as far as I’m aware there’s no choral opportunities in either of the universities we

have here.”

Professor Jill Francis, trustee of the Cathedral Music Foundation, said another benefit to the program was building the capacity of

young people.

“Some of the projects that the foundation exists for is this capacity building of young musicians,”

she said.

“It’s also potentially commissioning music we can sing and developing the musical life of the cathedral and the community.”

Submissions close on May 20 and further details can be found by emailing Ms Allen at [email protected].

Donations to the Cathedral Music Foundation, which supports the performance of sacred and secular music in the cathedral, are also welcomed.

To make a donation, email Ms Allen and any amount above $2 is tax deductible.