Tenebrae’s Associate Artists programme is a fellowship providing young professional singers with an opportunity to develop their musicianship through support and guidance from members of Tenebrae choir and the choir’s Artistic Director, Nigel Short – one of the UK’s most acclaimed choral conductors.

Associate Artists gain invaluable first-hand experience of the work of a professional singer through active engagement with Tenebrae’s national and international performance and recording schedule, and through our Learning & Connection programme, which runs throughout the year. During their time with us, they form a core part of the Tenebrae team, taking part in a wide variety of projects, developing their musicianship and choral skills and learning from more experienced colleagues. Associates also receive training in music leadership, which they then put into practice as part of the Tenebrae Schools programme and Tenebrae Effect workshops.

The programme with Tenebrae presents a fantastic opportunity to develop the skills required to sustain a portfolio career as a choral singer. As well as being immersed in the choir’s active concert and recording programme, I find the pedagogy training and youth choir partnerships particularly rewarding.

– Bethany Partridge (Associate Artist 2016-2019)

Bethany Partridge (Associate Artist 2016-19) and Elisabeth Paul (Associate Artist 2017-19) during a recording project

Activities

Each Associate will, on taking the position, be offered at least £7,500 worth of professional work per season paid at the full Tenebrae rates. There is no obligation for Tenebrae to engage Associate Artists for every project and whilst they do not need to commit to all the work offered, they are strongly encouraged to do so in order to aid their professional development.

Furthermore, there are opportunities to perform as part of a vocal consort with other young professional singers and to develop these ensemble skills under Nigel’s guidance.

Through Tenebrae’s Associate Artist scheme, I’ve learned so much about what it means to be a professional ensemble singer. I’ve picked up on so many nuances that you don’t always get told about or taught – how to really listen to your colleagues, lock into harmony and make tiny adjustments to specific consonant lengths or vowel modification – it’s more about learning through feeling and experience, which is something I hadn’t really had the chance to do before.

– Jonathan Pratt (Tenebrae Associate Artist 2023-25)

Clover Willis (Associate Artist 2024 – present) leading a rehearsal in a primary school © Suzi Corker

Programme Benefits

The programme offers an unrivalled opportunity for the professional development of rising choral talent in the UK. Through the year Associate Artists will enhance their musicianship, rehearsal and performance experience, as well as building new skills through the development of their own music leadership practice. The programme enables Associates to build a portfolio career as a choral singer and a creative practitioner – skills essential to sustaining a well-rounded professional career.

Having admired Tenebrae for a long time, it has been a real privilege to sing and work with such a talented group of musicians. They have been amazingly supportive and welcoming colleagues.

– Elisabeth Paul (Tenebrae Associate Artist 2017-19)

Our 2024-25 Associate Artist cohort performing Thomas Weelkes’ As Vesta was from Latmos hill descending.

Selection Process

The opportunity is aimed specifically at young professional singers – excellent musicians at the start of their careers, wishing to build a portfolio career as a choral singer and a music leader. There are no age restrictions but it is expected that all candidates will have begun or will be building their careers as singers with relevant training and experience. As of 2024 we conduct screened auditions at the first and second stages of the application process.

Singing with Tenebrae has taught me about my own learning style. All my past education has been formal and qualification-based, which often frustrated and demotivated me. The apprenticeship style of this programme has taught me that I learn better doing things on the job as I go along – a lesson I now apply to other things outside my music work.

– George Vines (Tenebrae Associate Artist 2023-25)

Current Associate Artists (2025-26 cohort)

For Associate Artist headshots and biographies, click here.

• Anna Grieve – Soprano
• Clover Willis – Soprano
• Olivia Shotton – Alto
• Dominic Wallis – Tenor
• Henry Montgomery – Bass

© Suzi Corker

Applications

Applications for the Associate Artist 2026-27 cohort are now closed.

Friends of Tenebrae and Associate Artist Supporters

We are very grateful to all those who have supported our Associates.

• Angus Allnatt Charitable Foundation
• Bernarr Rainbow Trust
• Gina and Jamie Broderick
• John S Cohen Foundation
• David and Simone Caukill
• D’Oyly Carte Charitable Trust
• Lydia Challen and Andrew Dymond
• Fenton Arts Trust
• The Fidelio Charitable Trust
• The Fernside Trust
• Adrian Frost
• Garrick Charitable Trust
• Michael and Amanda Gibbon
• Sir Roger Gifford
• Harold Hyam Wingate Foundation
• Henry C. Hoare Charitable Trust
• The Idlewild Trust
• The Kathleen Beryl Sleigh Charitable Trust
• The Leche Trust
• Jane Merrick
• The Thistle Trust

Previous Associate Artists

• 2016-17: Bethany Cooter (Partridge), Tom Lilburn, James Robinson
• 2017-18: Bethany Cooter (Partridge), Elisabeth Paul, James Robinson, Owain Park
• 2018-19: Bethany Cooter (Partridge), Elisabeth Paul, Benedict Flinn, Owain Park
• 2019-20: Victoria Meteyard, Hannah King, Benedict Flinn, Joey Edwards
• 2020-21: Victoria Meteyard, Hannah King, Joey Edwards
• 2021-22: Victoria Meteyard, Hannah King, Toby Ward, Joey Edwards
• 2022-23: Áine Smith, Rachel Howarth, Anna Semple, Jack Granby, Joey Edwards, Florian Störtz
• 2023-24: Áine Smith, Rachel Howarth, Anna Semple, Jack Granby, George Vines, Jonathan Pratt
• 2024-25: Anna Grieve, Clover Willis, Olivia Shotton, Dominic Wallis, George Vines, Jonathan Pratt