VOCES8 US Scholars - 2021/22
2017 saw the launch of the US Scholars Programme: a training opportunity for twelve talented young singers who have a particular interest in choral and small ensemble singing. With tutoring from Paul Smith, Erik Jacobson and VOCES8, the programme offers training in performing, recording and workshop leading, with opportunities to sing alongside VOCES8. The scholars are also invited to observe and participate in our innovative education programmes and learn to use the unique teaching tool that is The VOCES8 Method.
Highlights of each season include:
An introductory week of rehearsals and workshops, leading to a final concert performance led by Paul Smith and Erik Jacobson
A week-long recording session, typically supported by MPR in Minneapolis/St. Paul
A week in residence with VOCES8, including a concert performance and outreach involvement during the VOCES8 February/March tour.
The VOCES8 US Scholars are :
in Plano, September 12th - 19th 2021
Minneapolis/St. Paul with MPR, November 14th - 18th 2021
in Albuquerque with Apollo5, February 12th - 16th 2022
The VOCES8 US Scholars Programme is managed by Erik Jacobson (erik@voces8.foundation), the General Manager of our US Foundation. Applications for the 2022-23 US Programme will open in early 2022.
Applicants must be 21 years of age or above. There is deliberately no set upper age limit to the programme, as we recognise that different singers develop at different times. The programme is fully-funded for all travel and accommodation within the US. You do not have to be resident in the USA to apply for the US programme, but we cannot guarantee to cover the cost of international flights.
The 2021-22 US Scholar Season began in September with a week in Plano, rehearsing and developing their ensemble skills. This was followed shortly afterwards by three days in November working with Paul Smith and Erik Jacobson, recording and making music videos in partnership with MPR Studios and composers Shruthi Rajasekar and Jocelyn Hagan. The Scholars also worked with the choir of the Cathedral of St Paul, preparing the USA premiere of Paul Smith’s ‘O God Beyond All Praising’.
Later in the year, the Scholars will work with Apollo5 in Albuquerque, supporting their education projects in New Mexico and performing alongside them in concert in February. You can watch the US Scholars perform ‘Chosen Family’ by Rina Sawayama and Danny L. Harle, arranged by current US scholar Adrien Redford, above.