SESTINA MUSIC
NEXT GENERATION ARTIST PROGRAMME
Applications for our 2026/27 Next Generation Artists Programme are now open!
If you are over 18 and considering a career in classical singing, have an interest in early & historically informed performance, or want to develop your artistry both as a soloist and an ensemble/choral singer, we would love to hear from you. Auditions will take place on Wednesday 30th September in Belfast.
We are particularly keen to hear from those based in/from Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, but we also welcome applications from singers on mainland UK and further afield. We also welcome applications from singers who have taken part in partial stages of the programme in previous years.
Please email your CV to auditions@sestinamusic.com by 5pm on Friday 11th September.
If you are unavailable on the audition date, please still get in touch, as we may be able to discuss alternative arrangements.
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.
STRUCTURE
For 2026-27, our Next Generation Artists Programme plans to offer all participants:
-
Group/one-to-one coaching and mentoring with Artistic Director Malachy Frame
-
Masterclasses with world-renowned musicians
-
Language coaching and interpretation workshops
-
Performance opportunities throughout the year, including an invitation to perform as part of our April 2027 main season concert of Monteverdi's Vespers of 1610, performing alongside top-level musicians from across Ireland/UK
-
Professionally filmed recording session during the year for each artist
(subject to funding to be confirmed before the commencement of the scheme)
AUDITION REQUIREMENTS
Applicants who are offered an audition will be asked to prepare:
- 2 own choice contrasting pieces (aria/song), one should be from the baroque repertoire
- A quick-study prepared choral excerpt, sent to auditionees prior to the audition
An accompanist will be provided, and we will ask for music to be sent prior to the audition.
Audition times will be confirmed by Monday 14th September
“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
We are grateful to the Arts Council of Northern Ireland for supporting this programme.
