Be part of something special
The Hallé is now recruiting young people for membership of the Children's Choir, Youth Training Choir, Youth Choir and Youth Orchestra.
Being a member of one of the Hallé Ensembles provides the opportunity to work at the highest level with professional musicians, meet other like-minded young people and perform exciting repertoire together in the world-famous Bridgewater Hall.
Membership is by a short, informal audition held in April to June for all choirs and June for the Youth Orchestra. Membership is free, however members are expected to contribute towards the cost of concert dress, residential courses and tours where appropriate.
To apply to join us please complete and return the application form. The deadline for applications is Tuesday 2 April 2013.
You can find out more about our ensembles below, including more information about auditions and bursaries.
Hallé Children's Choir
We are looking for children who are aged 8 to 12 years on 1 September 2013, have some experience of singing and enjoy a challenge!
The Hallé Children’s Choir offers a chance to have the very best possible introduction to singing at the highest level in a range of singing styles. Children from all walks of life are welcome to audition; all we ask is that they enjoy singing and are prepared for the challenge of developing their ability whilst having fun!
Members receive tutoring to develop pitch, tone and sense of rhythm, and are encouraged to learn to read music, while working towards memorable performances with the Hallé and other Hallé Ensembles.
The Children’s Choir learns and rehearses under the expert leadership of Shirley Court. Shirley is known nationally for her ability to motivate and inspire young singers, and is the co-author of the best-selling Singing Sherlock Books for Key Stages 1 & 2. Shirley’s approach is to combine enthusiasm and a sense of humour with the ability to communicate technical skills.
The Children’s Choir also works with Hallé Music Director, Sir Mark Elder, and other professionals in the Hallé team.
Hallé Youth Training Choir
We are looking for young people who are aged 12 to 14 years on 1 September 2013 who want to learn more about music and singing.
The Hallé Youth Training Choir was established in 2011 to offer promising young singers aged 12-14 years a chance to develop their musicianship through singing together and in one-to-one sessions. Youth Training Choir members study a selection of repertoire designed to support their musical and singing learning and development and to build confidence in performing in front of others.
The Youth Training Choir rehearses and performs independently and together with the Youth Choir and Children’s Choir, usually giving three public performances each year.
The Youth Training Choir is directed and developed by Stuart Overington and Ben McKee, both of whom work with choirs and arts organisations in and around Manchester as well as working closely with the Hallé Children’s Choir and Hallé Youth Choir.
Hallé Youth Choir
We are looking for young people who are aged 13 to 19 years on 1 September 2013, who feel confident at reading music and are passionate about singing in a choir.
The Hallé Youth Choir was established in 2003 and has swiftly become recognised as one of the leading mixed-voice youth choirs in the country. Membership is for talented young singers across the North West region aged 13-19 years. The Youth Choir performs independently as well as with the Hallé and other Hallé Ensembles.
Since its creation the Youth Choir has covered a wide range of diverse repertoire. Highlights from previous seasons include recording Elgar’s The Apostles alongside the Hallé and Hallé Choir, followed by a performance of this work at the 2012 BBC Proms at the Royal Albert Hall in London. The Youth Choir also performed with Elbow on Comic Relief and Later…with Jools Holland. The Youth Choir tours every summer, having recently travelled to Cornwall and Belgium.
The Youth Choir is directed by Richard Wilberforce, one of the country’s most exciting young choral conductors.
Hallé Youth Orchestra
We are looking for young people who are aged 13 to 19 years on 1 September 2013, who play an orchestral instrument to Associated Board grade 6 standard or above and love orchestral music and the excitement of contributing to a large orchestra.
The Hallé Youth Orchestra, now in its eleventh season, offers a unique opportunity to local young musicians, aged 13-19 years, to regularly experience the challenge of rehearsing and performing symphonic music to a very high standard, working with and playing alongside professional musicians.
Over the past 10 years the Youth Orchestra has performed in many exciting projects, most recently in July 2012 at the Royal Opera House as part of the newly commissioned mini-opera Hot House with Gareth Malone OBE. The Youth Orchestra tours every summer, having recently travelled to Cornwall and Prague.
The Youth Orchestra works with its Music Director, Jamie Phillips, who is also the Hallé’s Assistant Conductor.
Choral Membership and Auditions
All members are required to attend short, weekly rehearsals during term time at a venue in Manchester. Youth Choir members are also expected to attend a residential course and/or tour during the summer holidays of 2013.
Auditions will be held in late April to June for all choirs. Applicants will be required to:
- sing a short accompanied song of their own choice that they know well and enjoy performing. Please note that pop songs are not appropriate. Applicants should provide the sheet music for the piano accompaniment – a pianist will be provided;
- undertake vocal exercises and pitch and rhythm recognition tests with the piano. Applicants aged 13+ years will also be asked to sing a short piece of sight-reading that will be provided on the day.
Orchestral Membership and Auditions
Full Membership is for outstanding young musicians of Associated Board grade 8 standard or equivalent. Full Members take part in rehearsals and concerts during term-time and in other training activities including residential courses and tours.
Associate Membership is for promising young musicians of Associated Board grade 6 standard or above. Associate Members will have the opportunity to participate in some of the Youth Orchestra’s activities.
All members are required to attend short, weekly rehearsals during term time at a venue in Manchester and a residential course and/or tour during the summer holidays of 2014.
Auditions will be held in June for the Youth Orchestra. Applicants will be required to:
- play an accompanied piece of their own choice lasting approximately 3 minutes. Applicants should provide the sheet music for the piano accompaniment – a pianist will be provided;
- play a set work that the Hallé will provide in advance;
- perform a short piece of sight reading which will be provided on the day.
Open Rehearsals
To give an insight into a typical rehearsal, we are offering applicants the opportunity to attend an open rehearsal in Manchester.
To book a place, please contact Vicki Forrester at vicki.forrester@halle.co.uk by Friday 1 March. Places are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.
HALLÉ YOUTH CHOIR (ages 13–19) – Saturday 9 March
HALLÉ CHILDREN’S CHOIR (ages 8–12) – Wednesday 17 April
HALLÉ YOUTH TRAINING CHOIR (ages 12–14) – Sunday 5 May
Bursaries
Limited bursaries are available to Youth Choir and Youth Orchestra members through an application process to help cover the costs of residential courses, tours and travel to rehearsals and concerts.
Contact Us
If you would like any further information on the Youth Choir, Youth Training Choir or Youth Orchestra, please contact Vicki Forrester, Youth Ensembles Coordinator, at vicki.forrester@halle.co.uk.
For information about the Children’s Choir please contact Verity Gosling, Children’s Choir Administrator, at verity.gosling@halle.co.uk.
