• a passionate and committed singer open to new challenges?
• confident at reading music?
• aged between 12 and 19 on Monday 1 September 2008?

then read on for details of a fantastic opportunity! For full details, click on the links below or simply scroll down the page.

What is the Hallé Youth Choir?
Benefits of Membership
How much does it cost?
Full Membership
Associate Membership
When and where are rehearsals?
Auditions
How do I apply?
Download an application form

What is the Hallé Youth Choir?
The Hallé Youth Choir is a mixed voice choir established in 2003 for singers aged between twelve and nineteen across the North West. Members develop skills such as vocal technique and communication with an audience through stimulating rehearsals, masterclasses and chamber groups. The Youth Choir performs independently as well as with the Hallé Youth Orchestra, the Hallé and the Hallé Choir.

Since its creation the Youth Choir has covered a wide range of diverse repertoire. Highlights from the last season include singing at the Labour Party conference in Manchester, performing Scattered Rhymes by Tarik O'Regan with the renowned Orlando Consort at the Royal Northern College of Music and performing in two events, preceding Hallé concerts at The Bridgewater Hall. On Sunday 6 May the Hallé Youth Choir joined the Hallé and Hallé Choir in a performance of Poulenc's Gloria. On Saturday 2 June they will perform Elgar's O Wild West Wind, part of Elgar in his Kingdom, the Hallé's celebration of the 150th anniversary of Elgar's birth.

'I loved the Hallé Youth Choir's ebullient performance of Shostakovich's Ten Russian Folk Songs under James Burton's direction.'
The Times

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Benefits of Membership include:

• the rehearsal and performance of exciting and challenging choral music to a very high standard;
• the chance to work with the Hallé's Choral Director, James Burton;
• performing at least twice a year in The Bridgewater Hall;
• the opportunity to attend residential courses and tours;
• the opportunity to perform with the Hallé and Hallé Choir; 
• complimentary tickets to some Hallé concerts;
• the chance to meet other like-minded, fun young people!

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How much does it cost?
Membership is free, however members are expected to contribute towards the cost of residential courses and tours where appropriate. Bursaries are available for those who need them, to help cover the costs of residential courses, tours and travel to rehearsals and concerts. 

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Full Membership
Full membership is for outstanding young singers to take part in all rehearsals and concerts and all other training activities including residential courses and tours.

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Associate Membership
Associate membership is for promising young singers who will have the opportunity to participate in some of the Youth Choir's activities.

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When and where are rehearsals?
If you are offered a place in the Youth Choir you will be expected to commit to rehearsals on Sunday afternoons during term-time in Manchester and a residential course and/or tour during the summer holidays.

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Auditions
Those selected will be asked to attend an audition in the summer term. The auditions are informal and limited to ten minutes. Applicants will be asked to prepare a set work. There will also be some vocal exercises and a brief sight-reading test.

Preference will be given to those not already in full time specialist musical education.
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How do I apply?
We are not currently accepting applications, however, if you would like to register your interest, please email the Youth Choir Administrator, Jennifer Watson at hyc@halle.co.uk or telephone 44 (0) 7904 991 981.

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