Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Choir
Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Choir, one of the North West’s finest youth choirs, provides young singers aged 12 to 18 with the opportunity to achieve choral excellence through a wide range of musical styles. Led by Simon Emery, Director of Music at St Mary’s College, Crosby, the choir performs regularly with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and Choir at Philharmonic Hall as well as participating in community events and festivals. It also regularly takes part in singing workshops with leading contemporary composers, and has recently performed James MacMillan’s Quickening with the RLPO for the second time. A choral weekend residential course is held each year, offering not only singing workshops but varied outdoor activities, encouraging the development of positive personal teamwork skills. At the end of Youth Choir training, members are encouraged to progress to the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Choir.
Listen to the Choir sing the Gloria from Britten's Missa Brevis
Listen to the Choir sing Siyahamba
Rehearsals
Rehearsals take place weekly with extra rehearsals scheduled in the lead-up to performances. Workshops with leading choral experts are held during the year, and there is also an annual weekend residential course for the Youth Choir.
We are grateful to Liverpool Hope University for providing rehearsal space for the choirs at their Cornerstone campus.
Auditions
Entry to all choirs is through informal audition. Auditions are usually held in the summer term, but, depending on the choirs’ performance schedules, there are opportunities to join at other points in the year. In the audition, you will be asked to sing a song of your own choir and do some sight singing and ear tests. All exercises are just to determine your level of experience, so do not be deterred from applying if you feel your sight-singing is weak or your knowledge of the choral repertoire is not very broad. Once you have been accepted for an audition you can call the office to discuss the process in more detail if you have any concerns.
Fees
Membership is £40 annually. Residential course fees, uniforms, and musicianship books are additional. In cases of exceptional financial hardship, bursaries to help with these costs can be awarded.
Additional Benefits
Members of the choirs also receive a discount card, which enables them to purchase tickets to most Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra concerts for £2. Members of the Youth Choir also have the opportunity to undertake work experience at Philharmonic Hall.
Accompanist Scholarship
The choirs’ Accompanist Scholarship offers a young pianist the chance to experience the world of professional music. Applicants should have reached a high standard of playing (ABRSM Grade 6-8) and be keen to develop accompanying skills. The scholarship runs from September to July and includes three piano lessons each term and an honorarium of £500 per annum.
For more information please email education@liverpoolphil.com or call 0151 210 2895.