Join our ‘Voices of the Future’ Choral Scholar scheme

Applications now open for Soprano, Alto, Tenor and Bass Choral Scholars – don’t miss this opportunity!

 

The scholarships are open to those aged 18-30, or students in full or part time education. They are ideal for aspiring singers looking to further develop their choral singing and sight-reading capabilities and broaden their experience and repertoire.

Singers can apply for one of four choral scholarships (SATB) for the year. Choral scholars attend weekly rehearsals in central Henley-on-Thames on Monday evenings 7.30pm-9.30pm in term time, in addition to three core performances a year, and additional rehearsals and sectionals ahead of performances. Scholars may also benefit from solo opportunities and optional conducting and choir coaching skills with our Musical Director.

In return, scholars are expected to help support their sections, take an active role in social media and support Henley Choral Society in our ambition to raise our standards, share the joy of choral music and support the next generation of singers!

Choral scholars receive a fee of £1200 for the year pro rata, plus music provision.

Interested singers are welcome to join us for a rehearsal. Auditions and interviews will take place in Henley.

Applications now open!

To apply, please see further information below and download an application form here.

Completed forms should be emailed to the HCS Chair here.

If you know someone who would be interested in becoming a Choral Scholar, please spread the word!

Here’s a clip of a recent performance in our usual venue St Mary’s Church, Henley.

Further information

This is an exciting new venture for Henley Choral Society and supports our ambition to continually improve our standards, share the joy of choral singing and support the next generation of singers. The scholarships are open to those aged 18-30, or students in full or part time education.
They are ideal for aspiring singers looking to further develop their choral singing and sight-reading capabilities and broaden their experience and repertoire. We welcome applications from singers of diverse ages, experiences and backgrounds – and anticipate this role will be of particular benefit to singers currently studying as an undergraduate or postgraduate at university or college.

Singers can apply for one of four choral scholarships for the year. Choral scholars attend weekly rehearsals in central Henley-on-Thames on Monday evenings 7.30pm-9.30pm in term time, in addition to three core performances a year, and additional rehearsals and sectionals ahead of performances. Rehearsals take place at d:two, Marketplace, Henley. There is ample free parking nearby and Henley train station is a 10 minute walk.

The role and opportunities

We will expect your attendance at all of our concerts and a minimum of 80% of rehearsals. Where opportunities allow and where appropriate for the chosen candidates, we will also help provide further opportunities including small concert solos and the option of conducting and choir coaching skills with our Musical Director.

As a choral scholar, in addition to singing with the section, you would support and encourage your colleagues in the section, take an active role in supporting HCS on social media and work closely with our professional conductor, Richard Harker and accompanist, Dave Smith.

Choral scholars receive a fee of £1200 for the year pro rata, plus music provision. Travel expenses are paid for any rehearsals or concerts that take place outside Henley.

Our concert dates for  remainder of 2026:

• Saturday 12th Dec 2026 – St Mary’s Church, Henley: Mendelssohn Elijah

Applications are open all year  

Interested singers are welcome to join us for a rehearsal. Rehearsals are Monday’s during term time 7.30-9.30pm Sept 1st at d:two, Marketplace, Henley RG9 2AA. There is ample free parking nearby and Henley train station is a 10 minute walk.

Auditions and interviews take place in Henley. Please apply now.

The audition (accompanist provided) will include singing of a prepared piece plus a sight reading exercise and interview.

To apply please download an application form here.

Completed forms should be emailed to chair@henleychoralsociety.org.uk