Auditions will be held in London, Manchester, Glasgow, and Cardiff in March and April 2012. The dates are as follows:

London: 19 - 21 March, 5 April and 18 April

Manchester: 3 - 4 April

Glasgow: 16 April

Cardiff: 17 April

There is only one round of auditions and we aim to hear as many singers as we can, but we regret that we cannot guarantee auditions to all applicants.

Each candidate needs to prepare three pieces in total: two pieces from the following list (according to voice) and one of their own choice (from any period of classical music), although there is no guarantee they will be asked to sing all three in audition. The candidate may also be asked to do some sight-reading.

An accompanist will be available on the day, although participants may bring their own accompanists if they prefer.

Repertoire list

Soprano:

Handel – How beautiful are the feet (from Messiah)
Handel – Heart, the seat of soft delight (from Acis)
Handel – Endless pleasure (from Semele)
Purcell – Hark! The echoing air (from Fairy Queen)
Dowland – Weep you no more, sad fountains (in G minor)

Alto (male or female):

Handel – But who may abide (from Messiah)
Handel – Hymen haste! (from Semele)
Vivaldi – Qui sedes (from Gloria in D)
Purcell – Music for a while
Dowland – Weep you no more, sad fountains (in D minor)

Tenor:

Handel – But thou didst not leave (from Messiah)
Handel – Would you gain the tender creature (from Acis)
Handel – Where’er you walk (from Semele)
Purcell – I’ll sail upon the dogstar
Dowland – Weep you no more, sad fountains (in G minor)

Bass:

Handel – The people that walked in darkness (from Messiah)
Handel – How willing my paternal love (from Samson)
Handel – With pious hearts (from Judas Maccabeus)
Purcell – Arise, ye subterranean winds
Dowland – Weep you no more, sad fountains (in D minor)