VOCES8 US Scholars 2022-23
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 Scholars gain experience 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.
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.
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
Scholar-only recording sessions, typically supported by MPR in Minneapolis/St. Paul
A residence with VOCES8, including a concert performance and outreach involvement during the VOCES8 February/March tour.
The 2022-23 US Scholar Season began in September with a week in Plano, rehearsing and developing their ensemble skills and doing workshops with four area high schools. This was followed by five days in November working with Paul Smith and Erik Jacobson, recording and making music videos in partnership with MPR Studios. The Scholars had the opportunity to work with local composers and area schools as well. Later in the year, the Scholars will work with VOCES8 in Stanford, CA, preparing a joint performance of Christopher Tin's The Lost Birds.
You can watch the 2022-23 US Scholars perform the ‘Sussex Carol’ above, and the ‘Coventry Carol’ arr. Barnaby Smith below.
The VOCES8 US Scholars Programme is led by Paul Smith (paul@voces8.foundation), the CEO of the VOCES8 Foundation and former baritone in VOCES8, and Erik Jacobson (erik@voces8.foundation), the Managing Director of the VOCES8 US Foundation.
Applicants must be 21 years of age or above as of September 2023. 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 USA. You do not have to be resident in the US to apply for the US programme, but we cannot guarantee to cover the cost of international flights.
Applications for the 2023-24 VOCES8 US Scholars Programme are now closed. We will post dates for the 2024-25 applications in due course.