THE CATHEDRAL CHURCH OF SAINT PETER IN EXETER THE CATHEDRAL CHURCH OF SAINT PETER IN EXETER
1. Choral Scholarships in the Cathedral Choir are available for Counter-tenors, Tenors and Basses. There are 6-8 choral scholars in the choir, singing with a similar number of Lay Vicars and 20 boy or girl choristers. Choral Scholarships are normally held in conjunction with degree courses at Exeter University, (any subject), provided that lecture times do not clash seriously with choir commitments. The Scholarships are normally tenable for 3 years, though this may be extended for an extra year in certain circumstances. In addition, one-year scholarships are available for gap students or postgraduates. The scholarship, payable by the Dean and Chapter, is currently c £1610 per annum and will be paid in monthly instalments. This amount may be augmented by a further bursary for Exeter University students. Cathedral accommodation may be available for Choral Scholars at a modest rent.
2. Choral Scholars are required at all statutory choral services and rehearsals when the Lay Vicars are singing. The normal weekly timetable is as follows:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday:
Rehearsal 4.55pm, Evensong 5.30pm
(No commitments on Wednesdays, except for Saints Days and Special Festivals)
Saturday - rehearsal at 9.00am –10.30am
rehearsal 2.00pm prior to Evensong at 3.00pm.
Sunday- No rehearsals
9.45am - Sung Eucharist
11.15am - Mattins
3.00pm - Evensong
3. In addition there may be special occasions, such as weddings, funerals, memorial services, BBC Radio Broadcasts, TV recordings, concerts etc for which extra fees may be paid.
4. The annual pattern of Choir Terms at the Cathedral is:From around mid-September up to, and including, December 26th, (Boxing Day) when there is a sung Eucharist at 10.00am. There is a long half-term of 12 days from the last week of October. There is a holiday of 2-3 weeks at Christmas (commencing after the Eucharist on St Stephen’s Day), and there is a holiday of a similar length at Easter. There is a half-term of about a week in the Lent Term and a similar one in the Summer Term. The Lent Term ends after Evensong on Easter Monday and the Summer Term ends around mid-July. Although the annual pattern of Choir Terms is fairly consistent (taking into account where Easter may fall), Choral Scholars will be informed of the actual dates well in advance.
5. The Choir gives occasional concerts in the Cathedral and elsewhere, some of which are with professional instrumentalists. In recent years, they have given concerts with the Bournemouth Sinfonietta, The London Festival Orchestra, The London Brass Virtuosi, The Academy of St Martin-in-the-Fields and The London Mozart Players.
6. Every year the Choir undertakes an overseas tour. In recent years, they have been to North America, Russia, France and Italy.
7. Prospective candidates should have a promising voice, a reliable ear and a fluency in sight-reading. Audition requirements consist of the following:
8. Successful candidates will need to display a high level of commitment towards the daily work of a professional choir. Choral Scholars should familiarise themselves with the repertoire in advance of rehearsals and services.They should be in sympathy with the Christian ethos. Preferably, Choral Scholars should be communicant members of the Church of England, but members of other denominations are welcome to apply.
9 Candidates should complete the application form and send it to Andrew Millington, The Director of Music, Exeter Cathedral. His details are as follows:
11 Cathedral Close, Exeter EX1 1EZ.
e-mail: music@exeter-cathedral.org.uk
Cathedral auditions will normally be scheduled on the same day as the candidate’s University interview, (or on a separate occasion if required). For any further information or queries, please contact Andrew Millington on 01392 285985 OR 277521.
Andrew Millington 2007
Completed application forms should be sent to:
Andrew Millington, The Director of Music, 11 The Close, EXETER, EX1 1EZ (Tel: 01392 277 521 OR 285985) e-mail: music@exeter-cathedral.org.uk
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