The London Welsh Chorale is a friendly, amateur choir of around 35 members. We are based in the London Welsh Centre, Grays Inn Road near Kings Cross, and sing a variety of choral music from the 16th century to music by living composers; promoting the music and composers of Wales (in the Welsh language or any other) is also part of the choir’s raison d'être . There is no requirement to be Welsh. We stage three concerts a year to a high standard in Central London and help our musical director curate the Festival of Welsh Music in London on a regular basis. We are accompanied in rehearsals by a professional piano accompanist and perform regularly with her or with instrumental ensembles and orchestras.
We are launching 3 one-year Music Scholarships for aspiring musicians who wish to develop their skills in choral singing and/or conducting. This might be in preparation for university music scholarships or as a means of broadening their repertoire knowledge. The scholarship is open to talented and enthusiastic students in full or part time music education or others, such as primary school teachers in training, who may end up with responsibilities to lead singing or musical ensembles. Or you may be studying a completely different subject but enjoy choral singing to a good standard in your spare time! Whatever your motivation, if you are interested in what we have to offer, we are interested in you !
We are now recruiting for our 2024/25 Music Scholarships. We have 3 available across the tenor and bass sections only, at this point.
Applications are open for Music Scholars to join us for the academic year, from September 2024 to July 2025.
Music Scholars are expected to have a desire to become a rounded musician with some choral singing and/or conducting experience. One of these attributes should already be evident as this will help to enhance and support our choir, and in return the scholar will receive the following benefits:
- Excellent training to support their music aspirations and improve their abilities as a choral singer or soloist / conductor / under the direction of our Music Director;
- Opportunities for solo performances / conducting and other events arranged by the London Welsh Chorale;
- Participation in a recruitment and selection process;
- Two complimentary adult tickets for each formal concert during their tenure;
- An honorarium of £300 per Christmas and Spring term and £400 for the summer term (total £1000 for the period).
The Music Scholar will be expected to:
- Attend rehearsals regularly subject to agreement with the Music Director. Rehearsals are on Tuesday evenings from 19:30 to 21:30pm at the London Welsh Centre, Grays Inn Road near Kings Cross or Russell Square tube stations;
- Attend all concerts during the period of the agreement;
- Undertake independent work outside rehearsals if necessary to ensure the quality of performance is maintained;
- Provide an approved deputy if unable to attend a concert;
- Attend a probation meeting after one month of their appointment with the Music Director and Chair of the choir
- Attend an appraisal meeting after each concert;
- It is also desirable that the Music Scholar take part in some wider aspects of the choir’s activities e.g. a workshop, promotional event, etc.
The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate some, but not necessarily all of the following:
- A desire to follow a musical career
- Choral and/or solo singing ability, and/or
- Conducting interest – if this is something you wish to pursue
In addition, they will need
- Secure sight-reading skills
- Effective self-management
- To be a team player
- A passion for high standards of music making and choral singing
All applications should be sent to the Music Director (mail@edwardrhysharry.com) by 17.30 on July 30th .
