SESTINA MUSIC NEXT GENERATION
YOUNG ARTIST MENTORING PROGRAMME
Applications for our Next Generation Mentoring Programme 2024-25 are now closed. Thank you to everyone who submitted an application. We were overwhelmed by the enthusiasm displayed by all applicants and we're excited to announce the successful candidates soon!
Audition requirements
You will be required to perform two baroque arias, one of which must be by Handel.
Two additional sellotaped hard copies of your scores will be required on the day, along with a hard copy of your CV.
Who can apply
Our mentoring programme is aimed at aspiring professional singers or those who are considering a career in professional singing. It is not a requirement that you study music or voice at third level, but we would expect to see evidence of your ongoing commitment to vocal studies and/or choral singing.
We welcome applications from singers from 18-28 years of age, although there is some flexibility with the upper age limit depending on individual circumstances.
In line with our charitable objectives, we prioritise singers from or living in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, but we also welcome applications from singers in Great Britain and Europe.
About The Programme
Sestina Music's Next Generation Mentoring Programme is a mentoring programme for young aspiring professional singers with a strong focus on early music. Unlike other young artist programmes which run as separate strands to an ensemble’s main performance activities, it is integral to our core work as an ensemble, giving young singers the opportunity to work alongside established professionals. Our focus is on developing versatile musicians, giving singers the chance to perform in ensembles of different sizes and as solo singers, and giving them valuable training in opera and stagecraft.
The earliest participants in our mentoring programme are now well established in their professional careers, performing regularly with ensembles such as Gabrieli Consort, Tenebrae, Monteverdi Choir, Grange Park Opera, Opera de Lyon, Garsington Opera and Welsh National Opera, as well as forming a core ensemble for Sestina Music’s showcase performances, touring and collaborations.
“My experience within the Next Generation Programme was nothing short of excellent. The entire Sestina Music team provided professional knowledge, support and guidance to help me further my career as an aspiring classical performer. Their expertise in early music inspired me to further my practice in to this genre and will continue to grow from this experience.”
Luke Condon
STRUCTURE
Our mentoring programme is split into 3 stages:
Stage 1
Following a successful audition, up to 30 singers will be invited to attend Stage 1. Stage 1 participants will join workshops and webinars throughout the year, focusing on aspects of performance such as language and audition technique as well as topics specific to early music such as ornamentation. At our workshops, singers will learn about style and interpretation and gain an insight into the professional working environment. Please note, there is a small participation fee of £30 to take part in Stage 1.
Stage 2
Up to eight singers who have attended the stage 1 mentoring course will be invited to join Sestina Music's core ensemble for a major project over the Easter holidays, typically consisting of a week of intensive rehearsals followed by a number of performances. Singers will work alongside professional singers and early music specialists instrumentalists and be expected to work at a professional level and pace.
Sestina Music's previous mentoring projects include a semi-staged production of Handel's Theodora with the Irish Baroque Orchestra; productions of Purcell's The Fairy Queen and Dido and Aeneas; Music for the Sun King, a programme of music from the court of Louis XI and a semi-dramatic performance of Handel’s Messiah. You can watch many of these performances here. In April 2024, the programme was In Praise of St Cecilia including Charpentier's Caecilia virgo et martyr and Purcell's Welcome to all the Pleasures.
In April 2025, the proposed project for the stage 2 mentoring course is ‘Concert Spirituel’, with programme to include motets by de Lalande and more. This project will take place from 22nd-27th April 2025.
Stage 3
On completion of stage 3, singers are thereafter eligible to be selected for our numerous showcase performances, tours and recordings.
AUDITIONS
General Auditions
Sestina Music also accepts audition applications from singers who would like to be considered for our professional projects only, should vacancies arise within our 2024/25 season. The requirements for these are the same as outlined above. Please send any general audition applications to info@sestinamusic.com
Please note that singers who have taken part in our mentoring programme are prioritised for our professional engagements as part of our commitment to developing young singers. We also occasionally hold open auditions to support specific projects, and these will be announced on our website and social media pages.
We are grateful to the Arts Council of Northern Ireland for supporting this programme.
“I am constantly using the skills and knowledge that I have gained through working with Mark Chambers, Sestina, and the wealth of incredibly professional musicians that I have met on each project”
Aaron O’Hare, Sestina baritone
“My musical ambition, my competence as a performer, and my general musical knowledge has increased exponentially ... Having the chance to perform complex, canonic works alongside leading professionals in the ‘early music’ field brings manifold benefits to the young people involved, by providing world-class tuition through immersive learning”
Joseph Zubier, Sestina countertenor
