St Bartholomew's Church has launched a new scheme offering scholarships for young musicians.
Throughout the summer the Church delivered a series of concerts to raise the money needed to fund the new scholarships and together with a number of generous donations they raised over £2500.
Director of Music Philip Underwood said "When I arrived as organist at St Barts last December I was determined to give Wilmslow Parish Church a choir that is worthy of the magnificent re-ordered church with its greatly enhanced accoustic and the scholarship scheme was one of my major goals in my first year here."
The organ and choral scholarships will provide young people aged 16 to 25 years with the opportunity to gain experience of performing at a high standard, in a group that covers a large repertoire, and to improve their general musical skills.
Philip Underwood explained "Scholars are expected to be the driving force within our friendly church choir, which is made up of singers of all ages.
"A choral/organ scholarship is also excellent preparation for any young musician wanting to pursue music further, especially musicians who may wish to apply for choral/organ awards at University."
Scholars will also benefit from working with professional musicians and have the chance to gain experience as soloists, direct the choir, organize concerts and recitals, and even to have their own compositions performed.
All scholars will be expected to attend choir rehearsals on Thursday evenings and Sunday services during term-time. In return they will choral scholars will receive £500 per year and organ scholars will be given £750 per year. Additional fees will be paid for attendance on Easter Sunday and Xmas Eve.
Auditions will be held throughout the year for the next academic term. Based on their application form, selected candidates will be invited to a 30-minute audition, which will involve performing a prepared piece, some sight-reading, aural tests and a discussion with the Director of Music.
For more information or an application form email Philip Underwood or contact him on 0161 456 9037.
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