VOCES8 UK Scholars

VOCES8 UK Scholars 2025-26

Established in 2015, the VOCES8 UK Scholars Programme is an annual initiative for eight singers who are passionate about choral and small ensemble singing. With expert tutoring from members of VOCES8 and leading figures in the classical music world, the programme offers a comprehensive, 360-degree insight into professional music-making – equipping Scholars with the tools to thrive in today’s evolving industry.

The programme combines bespoke training with paid professional opportunities, including the chance to graduate into VOCES8 Foundation ensembles such as the VOCES8 Scholars Ensemble.

If you're viewing this website on a phone or tablet, please click the white dot in the bottom right-hand corner of the photo pages to view the Scholars' biographies.

Programme Structure

At the core of the programme are three residential courses:

• September Introductory Course – London

• April Course – London

• VOCES8 International Summer School & Festival at Milton Abbey – Dorset

The London courses include masterclasses with members of VOCES8, workshops with industry leaders, and a Scholar-only recording session at the VOCES8 Centre. During these courses, Scholars also begin engaging with the Foundation’s learning and participation work.

The year concludes with a week-long residency at the annual VOCES8 Summer School and Festival. This immersive course features public performances – both as a standalone ensemble and alongside VOCES8 – and the opportunity to support education sessions for the Young Musicians’ course and amateur singers.

Year-Round Opportunities

In addition to the residential courses, Scholars are invited throughout the year to:

• Perform with VOCES8 and other Foundation ensembles

• Participate in education and outreach projects across the UK

• Receive ongoing mentoring and support for professional development

Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

CPD sessions are a key part of the programme and take place both during the residential courses and on additional scheduled days throughout the year.

Core CPD activities typically include:

• Audio and visual editing

• Solo performance coaching and recordings

• A vocal health seminar

• Industry insights from VOCES8 Foundation’s wider team

The programme is also flexible and tailored to the interests of each year’s Scholars. Additional sessions may include:

• Composition and arranging

• Conducting and leadership

• Marketing and branding

Many Scholars go on to work regularly with VOCES8, APOLLO5, or contribute to the Foundation’s global education programme. Notably, Euan Williamson and Katie Jeffries-Harris, both former Scholars, are now full-time members of VOCES8.

The VOCES8 UK Scholars Programme is led by VOCES8’s Artistic Director, Barnaby Smith (barnaby@voces8.foundation), VOCES8 Alto, Katie Jeffries-Harris (katie@voces8.com) and Ann Wright (ann@voces8.foundation), VOCES8 Foundation’s Director of Education. 

Applications for the VOCES8 UK Scholars Programme 2026/27 will open in late-November 2025.

You can view this year’s 2025-26 UK Scholars’ performance of ‘Super flumina Babylonis’ by Philippe de Monte below, and find the 2024-25 UK Scholars’ performance of ‘Surge, illuminare, Jerusalem’ by Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina at the bottom of the page.

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