Audition requirements
VOICE and PIANO
For vocal courses and opera roles, singers and pianists are asked to present repertoire related to the course(s)/role(s) for which they are auditioning. Singers should record at least three contrasting items. Pianists for these courses should ensure they display a variety of technical and musical versatility.
ALDEBURGH WORLD ORCHESTRA and BRITTEN–PEARS ORCHESTRA
Applicants are required to present one movement or excerpt of a major concerto or a comparable solo work, as well as the set list of orchestral excerpts. Applicants are asked to prepare and record all extracts. You do not need to record your concerto with an accompanist unless you want to.
BRITTEN–PEARS BAROQUE ORCHESTRA
Candidates should prepare a set of contrasting movements totalling approximately 10 minutes ; the standard should be comparable with that of a major concerto. The movements do not necessarily have to be from the same work.
INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY OF STRING QUARTETS and other ensemble courses
These courses are for established ensembles. Applicants are asked to prepare two contrasting movements from a work(s) of their choice.
NEW MUSIC NEW MEDIA AND CONTEMPORARY PERFORMANCE COURSES
Performer applicants are asked to prepare two contrasting contemporary works or substantial excerpts. Composer applicants should submit an application form, CV, application fee, and one or two scores of recent works with CD or DVD recordings. Scores and recordings may be sent to Kate Whitlock, Artist Development Co-ordinator, Snape Maltings Concert Hall, Snape, Suffolk IP17 1SP.
Live Auditions
BPO and AWO applicants should assume that their audition result will be based on the recorded audition and will not be invited to a live audition (though we reserve the right to invite participants to audition live in exceptional cases).
Live auditions last for a maximum of 10 minutes, regardless of how many courses you are applying for (please be aware that auditions may be cut short due to time constraints). Candidates are free to choose the first work to be performed and are asked to provide copies of their audition repertoire for the panel. All auditions will be videoed. Please note that we will not provide an audition accompanist , orchestral applicants need not bring an accompanist unless they choose to do so, vocal applicants are asked to bring their own accompanist.
VOICE
For vocal courses and opera roles, singers are asked to present repertoire related to the course(s)/role(s) for which they are auditioning. ADD: At least two items should be different from the ones presented in the YouTube audition..
ALDEBURGH WORLD ORCHESTRA and BRITTEN–PEARS ORCHESTRA
If a live audition is needed, candidates will be required to prepare one movement of a major concerto or a comparable solo work, as well as orchestral excerpts. The movement of the solo work should be different from the one presented in the youtube audition.The candidates are asked to prepare all extracts and the panel will then choose up to four at the audition. Please note that percussionists and harpists will not be asked to attend a live audition.
BRITTEN–PEARS BAROQUE ORCHESTRA
Candidates should prepare two contrasting movements; the standard should be comparable with that of a major concerto. The movements do not necessarily have to be from the same work but should be different to those presented in the YouTube audition. Please note that, at the London auditions, a harpsichord will only be available on certain dates (TBC). Harpsichords will also be available in New York (Date tbc), Basel and The Hague (dates tbc). At all other audition venues harpsichord availability cannot be guaranteed.
INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY OF STRING QUARTETS
Quartets should prepare two contrasting movements from a quartet of their choice. This should be from a different work to that presented in the YouTube audition. The audition will last 20 minutes.
NEW MUSIC NEW MEDIA AND CONTEMPORARY PERFORMANCE COURSES
Applicants should prepare two contrasting contemporary works or substantial excerpts which are different to those presented in the YouTube audition. Copies of scores should be provided where possible. Please note that composers will not be asked to attend live auditions.
Britten–Pears Programme
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What our past alumni say:
‘I have never been anywhere else where I have learnt so much in so short a time and have come away refreshed and itching to make music.’
‘The BPP is a great opportunity to work with top musicians in a friendly and supportive environment. ... The genuine love of music embedded in everyone here is truly inspirational and reminds us why we want to be musicians.’
‘Britten–Pears is a very positive experience. From the stunning location to the excellent tuition it is an opportunity young musicians should not miss out on.’
‘The Programme is a great symposium where composers, performers and tutors can work closely together in an inspirational environment.’