York Minster Talent Search
Children aged 6 and 7 (Year 2 and Year 3), and who love to sing are being encouraged to audition for a place in in York Minster’s world famous choir and the chance to receive an excellent education at the Minster School in the heart of the City of York.
York Minster’s Choir consists of 20 boys, 20 girls and 12 professional adult singers. Boys and girls joining the choir will be part of an internationally renowned team of singers whose voices are an essential part of worship at the Minster.
Choristers perform at services including many high profile occasions, at events and concerts. They will also have the opportunity to take part in broadcasts for national media organisations such as BBC Radio 3 and Classic FM, recordings for classical music labels and to tour abroad. Last Easter the choristers travelled to Germany where they performed concerts and services in historic churches and abbeys.
Choristers are educated at the Minster School and all of them receive a bursary worth 60 per cent of their school fees. In addition, means-tested funding can be made available to cover up to 100 per cent of a chorister’s fees at the school. This makes the benefits of a chorister education available to every child irrespective of family circumstances.
The Minster School offers an excellent and supportive education with a broad, balanced curriculum where sport, science, computing and academic subjects sit alongside the expressive and performing arts. Music is a major strength of the school and many pupils go on to the senior school of their choice with academic, art or music scholarships.
Commenting on the auditions, Robert Sharpe, Director of Music at York Minster said the process aims to identify children with potential rather than recruiting fully formed singers. He said:
“There will be many parents in and around York with a son or daughter who just loves singing and who may be searching for ways to nurture their child’s ability. Becoming a chorister at York Minster is an excellent way to harness a child’s musical talent. Energy, enthusiasm and humour are just as important as musical talent.“In addition to developing their musical skills, chorister training helps children to develop lifelong skills such as self-discipline, organisational skills, concentration, poise and attention to detail.“This is a unique opportunity for a child to have a superb education and to play a part in the life of one of the most important and beautiful cathedrals in the world."
Auditions:
Friday 17th February - boy choristers
Friday 31st March - girl choristers
To find out more about the audition days, arrange a visit to the Minster School or to meet the Headmaster, parents should contact Sheila Rennison at the school office by telephoning 0844 939 0000 or by emailing school@yorkminster.org.