SESTINA MUSIC
NEXT GENERATION ARTIST PROGRAMME
Next Generation Artists 2025-2026
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We’re delighted to introduce our Next Generation Artists for the 2025–2026 season — ten exceptional young singers who will work with Sestina Music throughout the year as part of our mentoring and performance programme.
Sopranos: Cassia Moore, Naela Cahir, Marianna Rodrigues
Altos: Olivia Sheehy, Orla Smith, Ellen Griffiths
Tenors: Desmond Halvin, Callum Jeacle
Basses: John Johnston, Fraser Robinson​
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See them in action!
Catch our NGAs in a public masterclass with cellist Jonathan Byers and pianist Freddie Brown on Friday 22 November, 2–5pm at Fisherwick Presbyterian Church, Belfast.
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Tickets: £5 on the door, or book to attend both the masterclass and Jonathan Byers’ evening recital of Bach Cello Suites I–III at a reduced combined rate of £23 HERE
About The Programme
​​Sestina Music's Next Generation Artist Programme is a mentoring programme for aspiring professional singers with a strong focus on early music. The programme is integral to our core work as an ensemble, giving young and early-career singers the opportunity to work not only as a cohort themselves, but also alongside established professionals as part of our main performance activities. Our focus is on developing versatile musicians, giving singers the chance to perform in ensembles of different sizes and as solo singers, and giving them valuable training in multiple disciplines.
The earliest participants in our mentoring programme are now well established in their professional careers, performing regularly with ensembles such as Gabrieli Consort, Tenebrae, Monteverdi Choir, the OAE, Opera de Lyon, Glyndebourne Festival Opera and Welsh National Opera, as well as forming a core ensemble for Sestina Music’s showcase performances, touring and collaborations.
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“My experience within the Next Generation Programme was nothing short of excellent. The entire Sestina Music team provided professional knowledge, support and guidance to help me further my career as an aspiring classical performer. Their expertise in early music inspired me to further my practice in to this genre and will continue to grow from this experience.”
Luke Condon
STRUCTURE
For 2025-2026, our Next Generation Artists Programme plans to offer all participants:
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Group/one to one coaching and mentoring with current Guest Director Malachy Frame, as well as coachings/masterclasses with other highly acclaimed singers and instrumentalists.​
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Language coaching and interpretation workshops with primary focus and preparation on repertoire for our April 2026 programme.
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Invitation to perform as part of our April 2026 main season concert, singing alongside top level musicians from across Ireland/UK (programme to be announced).
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Recital opportunities across Northern Ireland throughout the year.
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End of year showcase for 25/26 NGA cohort in May/June 2026 at Fisherwick Presbytarian Church, Belfast.
We are grateful to the Arts Council of Northern Ireland for supporting this programme.
