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Associate Artists

Tenebrae’s Associate Artists programme is a fellowship providing young professional singers with training and mentoring from the choir’s Artistic Director, Nigel Short – one of the UK’s most acclaimed choral conductors.

Incumbents 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 throughout the concert season. 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 pedagogy, which they put into practice when leading workshops as part of our diverse education and community partnerships.

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)

Associate Artists Bethany Partridge and Elisabeth Paul during a recent 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.

Complementing and enhancing the professional engagements will be a strand of education work, for which the Associates each receive ongoing training, starting at the fellowship’s outset with a residency, led by Nigel Short and other expert professionals. Associates are encouraged to review the choral development programme to suit the needs of Tenebrae’s partners and enhance their own skills in this area.

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, who was a member of the renowned vocal ensemble The King’s Singers from 1994–2000.

Associates are enrolled for at least one year, but are often invited to continue for longer in order to complete ongoing projects that last beyond one concert season. This aids the continuity in our Learning & Connection work and provides continued support for singers at this early stage in their careers.

Associate Artist Benedict Flinn (Tenor) working with pupils in Dundee

Project 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 leadership and education skills through the development of their own pedagogic practice. Importantly the programme enables Associates to build a portfolio career as a choral singer and education practitioner – skills essential to sustaining a professional career in singing.

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)

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. 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. Applications for the 2024-25 cohort are now open. For more information about how to apply, see details here.

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
For more information about supporting the programme in the future please email Bradley Gill: [email protected]

Tenebrae is proud to introduce its 2023-24 Associate Artists:

2023-24 Associate Artists