Choir’s search for top singers

Talented young singers are invited to put themselves forward to join a prestigious choir.

National Youth Choir of Scotland ( NYCOS) has announced the opening of applications in three categories — ages 16 to 25; boys choir, ages 10 to 17 and girls choir, ages 12 to 17.

As one of the UK’s leading choirs, the National Youth Choir of Scotland has handed the Ensemble award from the Royal Philharmonic Society.

The past year has seen the choir take Berlioz Lélio to New York’s Carnegie Hall and the Philharmonie de Paris.

It performed works by Sir James MacMillan and was part of West Side Story at the Edinburgh International Festival.

NYCOS National Girls Choir also performed at the Edinburgh International Festival this year, while NYCOS National Boys Choir released the album All Those Men Who Marched Away, commemorating the First World War.

Next year, the girls choir will celebrate female composers, with works by Elizabeth Posten and two new commissioned, including one from Scottish composer Claire McCue.

Led by world- renowned conductor Christopher Bell, the basis of the choirs’ activities stem from a weeklong residential course.

During the week, the repertoire is for the year ahead is learnt and choir members receive vocal tuition and singing lessons.

Comprising of the most promising young singers from across the country, membership for each NYCOS National Choir is granted by audition to those born, resident or studying in Scotland, or of Scottish descent.

NYCOS offers financial support covering up to 100 per cent of membership and travel costs for those who would otherwise be unable to participate.

Everyone who applies by Friday, October 4 is guaranteed a free audition.

To apply, visit www.nycos. org.uk/joinus