ASSOCIATE ACCOMPANIST 2015
The Bursary The National Youth Choir of Scotland wishes to provide a unique opportunity for a highly proficient pianist to develop or further develop the skills necessary to accompany the flagship NYCoS Choir, National Boys Choir (NBC) and National Girls Choir (NGC) for rehearsals. The successful candidate will work with NYCoS Artistic Director and Conductor, Christopher Bell and be coached by principal accompanist, Stuart Hope or another regular NYCoS accompanist. Candidates ideally will be based in Scotland and available to add to the pool of NYCoS accompanists in Scotland after the courses.
National Youth Choir of Scotland The National Youth Choir of Scotland is one of the country’s leading choirs. Formed in 1996, the basis of its activities is a seven-day residential course in Edinburgh in July where the repertoire for the year is learned. Singers are between the ages of 16 and 24 and number anything from 80–120 depending on repertoire and availability of singers. The course is a mixture of sectional and tutti rehearsals. Recent performances include a tour of Central Europe, and concerts with Scottish Chamber Orchestra and BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra. The National Boys Choir and the National Girls Choir provide similar activities for singers in the age groups 10–16 at Easter time.
What is involved? The Associate Accompanist will be expected to attend one of the residential courses for whichever choir is chosen. During this time, they will observe and play for some sectional rehearsals, and similarly for some of the tutti rehearsals, all under the guidance of the course accompanist. Support and feedback will be provided to ensure successful development.
Term The post would last for one residential course, with possible additional courses at additional fees if appropriate.
Remuneration The bursary is £400 for one residential course – in addition, all food and accommodation will be provided during the course, and reasonable travel expenses paid.
Application Process Candidates should send a CV to Associate Accompanist, NYCoS, The Mitchell, North Street, Glasgow G3 7DN or email jobs@nycos.co.uk by Friday 28th November 2014. Following receipt of application, candidates may be asked to audition. The audition requirement will be to play a short piece of piano music of the candidate’s choosing to show technical and musical ability followed by the piano accompaniment of a choral work, provided by NYCoS, while following a conductor.
Stuart Hope Stuart Hope grew up in Berwick-upon-Tweed, gaining his first performing diploma whilst still at school. He went on to read Music at Edinburgh University winning many prizes and cultivating a reputation as a pianist, accompanist and arranger. Alongside his commitments as a performer and continuo player, he is currently accompanist to the SCO Chorus, NYCoS and Edinburgh Festival Chorus, and works regularly with Dunedin Consort, Consort of Voices and other national organisations. He has played for many well-known conductors including Charles Mackerras, Joseph Swensen, Nicholas McGegan, Nicolas Kraemer, Arnold Ă–stman, Walter Weller, Alexander Lazarev, Richard Hickox and Marin Alsop and also appears regularly in concerts throughout the UK.
Christopher Bell Belfast-born Christopher Bell is the Artistic Director of NYCoS. Alongside that he currently holds posts as Chorus Director of the Grant Park Chorus (Chicago) and Chorusmaster of RSNO Junior Chorus and Edinburgh Festival Chorus. Christopher has received the following awards: a Scotsman of the Year 2001 for Creative Talent, the Charles Groves Prize in 2003 for his contribution to cultural life in Scotland and the rest of the UK, an Honorary Masters Degree from the Open University for Services to the Arts in 2009 and an Honorary Doctorate of Music from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in 2012 for his contribution to the performing arts in Scotland. In 2013, Chorus America awarded Christopher the Michael Korn Founders Award for Development of the Professional Choral Art.
The National Youth Choir of Scotland The Mitchell North Street Glasgow G3 7DN Tel: 0141 287 2856 Fax: 0141 287 2858 e-mail: admin@nycos.co.uk www.nycos.co.uk Scottish Charity No: SC024899 Registered in Scotland No: SC165149