Monday 14 February 2022

Northern Chords Festival launches its mentorship scheme

Northern Chords Festival

The Northern Chords Festival was created by cellist and conductor Jonathan Bloxham in 2009 in order to bring artists to the North East and to inspire local young people and amateur musicians to follow their dreams. The festival celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2019, and this year returns with a full weekend of events (13 -15 May) in Newcastle, performs at Kings Place in London on 20 March 2022. The festival has now launched its Mentorship Programme.

Jonathan Bloxham explains "The arts sector, and the music industry particularly, has been hit very hard by political and global events of recent years. Nurturing a new generation of talented musicians, many of whom may have missed out on opportunities recently, is essential for the healthy survival of classical music. This is a unique opportunity to work closely with world-leading artists, and our hope is to provide holistic guidance to people who might not otherwise have the access or financial resources."

In its first year the scheme will support four musicians. Northern Chords are looking for applicants specialising in voice, piano, composition and violin. Successful candidates will benefit from one to one online sessions with their mentors, extra sessions with guests such as renowned saxophonist Jess Gillam and well being sessions with Elena Urioste. The culmination of the scheme is a performance opportunity at the 14th Northern Chords Festival, taking place in May 2022, in which the four mentee's will collaborate and present a programme that they have devised together. 

Applications are invited from musicians from all backgrounds and ages pursuing a career in performance. Thanks to the generous support of the Gillian Dickinson Trust, there is no cost to apply or take part in the scheme. The closing date is 21 February 2022. Full details from the festival website.

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