Competitions, scholarships, traineeships and ambassadors: opportunities and support for young musicians in York, Leeds and London

Conductor Kay Solomon, who takes part in
Opera North's first Female Conductor Traineeship

A competition for Early Music ensembles in York aimed at young performers, a new choral scholarship programme in London for singers aged 18 to 25, a new Female Conductor Traineeship and two new ambassadors for a London-based education charity.

The York Early Music International Artists Competition has announced that applications are open for the 2022 competition, which will take place on Saturday 16 July 2022 at the National Centre for Early Music in York as part of York Early Music Festival. The competition is open to Early Music ensembles with a minimum of three members, and an average age of 33 years or under, with a maximum age of 37 years for individuals, plus they must demonstrate historically informed performance practice and play repertory from any period, spanning the Middle Ages to the 19th century, on period instruments. Closing date for applications is 14 January 2022. Details from the National Centre for Early Music's website.

London Oriana Choir has announced a new choral scholarship programme, offering a select number of funded places for singers aged 18-25 for its 2021-22 season, as part of its commitment to support aspiring young singers. The scheme is open to anyone who enjoys singing, whether those studying music, starting their music careers or simply wanting to expand their singing and performance opportunities. Application deadline is midnight on 31 October 2021, further details from the choir's website.

French-British conductor Kay Salomon will join Opera North in Leeds at the end of this year to take part in the Company’s new Female Conductor Traineeship. Recognising that talented female conductors are less likely to find a way into the industry than their male counterparts, the initiative offers wide-ranging experience and support,  including two dedicated workshops under the guidance of Opera North’s Music Director Garry Walker, providing first-hand experience of conducting the Orchestra of Opera North; and a series of one-to-ones with Opera North Music Staff and leading conductors. Further details from the Opera North website.

And London Music Fund has announced the appointment of two new ambassadors, saxophonist Jess Gillam and cellist Abel Selaocoe. These two join Nicola Benedetti, YolanDa Brown, Jools Holland and Simon Cowell among others as Ambassadors of the music education charity. The Ambassadors play a significant role within the charity, both promoting its work, and as inspiring role models for young musicians. The Fund works with every London borough to provide outstanding progression and development opportunities to children and young people who demonstrate musical potential and a commitment to learning an instrument. Further information from the Fund's website.