Professional Experience Scheme 25/26: Kantos Chamber Choir
Applications are now open for the Kantos Chamber Choir Professional Experience Scheme (Soprano, Alto, Tenor & Bass).
Deadline for applications: 1pm, Thursday 10 July 2025
Live Auditions at RNCM: Dates are below, the audition date will be confirmed at a later date. Please note we can not hold any auditions outside of the advertised dates.
Application form: HERE
Key information is outlined below, but if you require additional support or guidance, please email Abigail Flood, Ensembles Administrator, or call 0161 907 5275 / 0797 655 6983.
About Kantos
Our vision is to enrich lives by using our voices to tell universal stories and share human connection.
Our mission is to make high-quality music that evokes reaction, inspires reflection, and causes change.
Our approach is people-led. We ask questions, collaborate with open minds, and respect but challenge traditions.
www.kantoschamberchoir.com
The scheme
Applications are now open for the Kantos Chamber Choir PES – a professional experience scheme open to current Y3, Y4 and Postgraduate students. Students will be eligible for this opportunity if they intend to have future involvement in the RNCM Chamber Choir during the 25/26 Academic year. Students who have already been accepted into the Kantos pool of singers are not eligible for this Scheme.
Our scheme will recruit up to one Soprano, one Alto, one Tenor and one Bass choral singer. Those successful on the Kantos PES will remain an active member of the RNCM Chamber Choir throughout the same academic year.
Rehearsals & Performance
Performing with the choir in at least two projects across our season.
Dates will be discussed and allocated to you after a successful audition.
Please note dates are subject to change:
12th, 13th, 14th, 15th & 16th November (Tenor/Bass only)
4th, 5th & 7th December
11th, 12th & 13th December
16th, 17th, 18th, 19th April
Other dates may be available on discussion
You will usually obtain electronic copies of your music for each project around 2 weeks before the project start date. We expect you to be well prepared before arriving at the first rehearsal for a project.
Extra Opportunities
- Feedback from our singers on each performance project (verbal feedback given during projects)
- An introduction to Kantos and the work that we do (online session at the start of the year)
- Opportunity to meet with Artistic Director
- Opportunity to observe Kantos rehearsals and performances across the season
- Volunteering at concerts (optional stage management)
- Complimentary tickets to concerts within the season (2 per performance)
End of Scheme
An opportunity for feedback to be given and for you to share with us your experience of the scheme. This will be a session, either in person or online, with Ellie Slorach (Artistic Director) & Claire Shercliff (co-CEO).
How to apply
Please complete this Application Form and include the following application requirements :
A CV specifically detailing any choral experience you have.
One paragraph outlining why you would like to be on the Kantos Professional Experience Scheme 2025-26.
Applications will be shortlisted and successful applicants will be invited to attend a live audition at the RNCM.
Audition dates & venue
Tuesday 30 September, 1000-2100
Wednesday 1 October, 1400-2100
Thursday 2 October, 1000-2100
Auditions will be held at the RNCM and the specific audition date will be confirmed closer to the time. Please ensure you are available for all of the dates above as we are unable to accommodate any other audition dates.
Audition requirements
Please prepare one piece of your own choice, maximum 5 minutes. You will be provided with an accompanist.
After the performance of your piece, there will be some sight-reading and an informal chat with the panel.
The audition panel comprises Ellie Slorach, Artistic Director of Kantos, and one singer from the choir.
Following auditions we will be in touch with successful candidates to discuss project dates across the year.
Auditions are a key part of Professional Experience Schemes and it is considered unprofessional to cancel at short notice. As such, any applicant withdrawing at less than 72 hours’ notice prior to audition will be ineligible to apply to that scheme again.
