SCO Chorus Young Singers

MEET OUR SCO CHORUS YOUNG SINGERS

The Young Singers’ Programme aims to nurture and develop aspiring young singers with ambitions to further their singing with a world-class ensemble.

Name: David Norris Vocal type: Tenor

Area of Study and other:

I am currently completing a Master’s Degree in Chemical Engineering at Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, and enjoy spending my free time on the tennis court or golf course when I’m not pursuing my musical interests.

Singing History:

I studied voice with Donald Thomason and Emma Morwood throughout my university studies and I’m also a member of the internationally acclaimed National Youth Choir of Scotland (NYCOS).

Performance Highlight:

One of my performance highlights includes a recital of Mahler’s Songs of a Wayfarer (Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen) at the Edinburgh Society of Musicians in 2015. I have also sung extensively with other choral ensembles throughout Edinburgh, including: Edinburgh Festival Chorus, The Choir of St. Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral and Heriot-Watt University Chamber Choir.

How it feels to sing with SCO:

I am delighted to be a part of the SCO Chorus this season – it is a very rewarding experience to sing with such an accomplished and passionate group of musicians, who continuously strive to perform choral works to the highest calibre.

Name: Carey Andrews Vocal Type: Soprano

Area of Study and other:

I am currently studying on the BMus course at the University of Edinburgh and have recently started my own performance company.

Singing History:

I have been singing since I was five and have been involved with NYCoS, NYCGB, Millfield Camerata, The Reid Consort, the Robin Chapel Singers and St Mary’s Metropolitan Cathedral Choir. I would love to be a professional chorister or early opera performer in the future.

Performance Highlight:

Performing as a soloist in Harvey Brough’s Requiem in Blue with Julian Jensen and the Millfield Chorus and Orchestra in Wells Cathedral.

How it feels to sing with SCO:

I have found that the SCO Chorus is overwhelmingly welcoming and supportive since I have started my scholarship. I was delighted to receive an incredibly thoughtful card from the Soprano Section when I was ill in hospital and have been well looked after by the wonderful ladies in my section. It is exhilarating to perform with such a high standard choir and orchestra.

Name: Rebecca Anderson Vocal Type: Mezzo-soprano

Area of Study and other:

Originally from Glasgow, I graduated from the University of St Andrews with a geography degree in 2016. I am now living in Edinburgh working as an Operational Meteorological Analyst for the Met Office. Music, however, occupies the vast majority of my time. Over the summer, I perform at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Singing History:

I have been singing for most of my life although, during my school years, piano dominated my time. At University singing and conducting took over my life. I performed with the St Andrews Chorus and Music Society Singers, and as a soloist in numerous lunchtime concerts, with Byre Opera and with the University’s Gilbert and Sullivan Society. I conducted the University’s Concert Wind Band, led chamber groups and musically directed a number of operettas with the university’s Gilbert and Sullivan Society. I’ve also spent many years singing with the National Youth Choir of Scotland and sang with Scottish Opera’s Connect Chorus in 2011 and 2015.

Performance Highlight:

Mozart’s Requiem at the Proms in 2014 with the National Youth Choir of Scotland, winning the University of St Andrews’ Concerto Competition (2015) and performing as a soloist with the St Andrews Chamber Orchestra in Mozart’s Ch’io mi scordi di te.

How it feels to sing with SCO:

Singing with the SCO Chorus is such a joy. There’s so much energy thrown into every rehearsal. Being part of the Young Singers’ Programme has been great, working with new people is a real thrill and paves the way to continued learning and development and, after all, we’re merely at the beginning of our lifelong musical journeys.

Name: Robin Randall Vocal type: Tenor

Area of Study and other:

I studied Arabic and Persian at the University of Edinburgh. Alongside my studies, I co-founded the Edinburgh University A Cappella Society.

Singing History:

I started singing seriously as a chorister at Canterbury Cathedral and then as a music scholar at Harrow School. Outside of SCO Chorus, I sing with a London-based choir called Rodolfus under the direction of Ralph Allwood. I have been fortunate to have toured with the Byron Consort of Harrow School across Russia, America, Canada and Rome. My recording portfolio includes ‘Time and Its Passing’ with Rodulfus Choir and ‘Ceremony’ with Canterbury Cathedral Choir.

Performance Highlight:

My performance highlight to date has to be singing in the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow with the Byron Consort. Regarding SCO Chorus, I would say Handel’s Messiah in 2014 with Richard Egarr, as it was my first performance with the Chorus and is one of my favourite pieces of music.

How it feels to sing with SCO:

I had the privilege of singing with the SCO Chorus from 2014-2016 in my first two years at Edinburgh University. I then took a year abroad in the Middle East as part of my degree and it has been a pleasure to re-join this year in my final year at Edinburgh University as part of the Young Singers’ Programme. I have very much enjoyed singing with the SCO Chorus and it has provided me with the opportunity to keep up my singing throughout my time at university

The SCO Chorus

Is an elite group of up to 60 singers from in and around Edinburgh and from all walks of life. The Chorus was formed to perform with the Scottish Chamber Orchestra and covers repertoire from baroque to the present day. Inspired by the world-class performances of the SCO, the Chorus has established a reputation as one of the UK’s finest orchestral choruses ––––––sco.org.uk/your-orchestra/who-s-who/590-chorus The SCO Chorus Young Singers’ Programme is kindly supported by The Baird Educational Trust