Choral Scholarship

Northampton Philharmonic Choir is excited to announce a new choral scholarship programme, the Rosemary Harrison Choral Scholarship, starting in September 2025. The scholarship will run for one academic year and for this season we are looking to appoint two choral scholars and invite applications from all voice parts.  

The scholarships are open to singers aged between 18 and 25.  It is ideal for aspiring professional singers wishing to develop their choral singing and musicianship skills whilst broadening their repertoire. 

The Choir rehearses on a Tuesday evening during term-time, approximately 38 rehearsals per season, at St Michael’s Church, Perry Street, Northampton, NN1 4HL from 19:15 to 21:15.

Responsibilities:

• Attend at least 80% of weekly rehearsals
• Participate in all concerts and other Choir events, such as a Come & Sing, typically 3 or 4 events per season. 
• Support, and contribute to, the activities of the Choir

Requirements:

• Ability to read music and sight-read.
• Strong vocal technique and musicality.
• Commitment to regular attendance and participation.
• Enthusiasm for choral music and teamwork.

Benefits:

• Occasional solo opportunities in performance, dependent on repertoire
• An annual stipend of £750 payable in three parts at the end of each term, subject to consistent rehearsal attendance and concert participation.
• Free music hire for the year
• Two complimentary tickets for each concert

Northampton Philharmonic Choir is a friendly choir with a current membership of just over 40 members.   The choir has been in existence since 1896 and our current Musical Director, Thomas Moore, joined us in September 2023 following the retirement of Christopher Mabley after 18 years at the helm.   Recent concerts under Tom’s direction have included the following:

Feel the Spirit – John Rutter

A Little Jazz Mass – Bob Chilcott

Benedicite – Andrew Carter

Carmina Burana – Carl Orff

The Creation  - Josef Haydn

 For more information on the Choir please visit our website: 

NPC - The Northampton Philharmonic Choir

Dates for 2025/26 Season:

9th September 2025:      Season commences

6th December 2025:      Messiah @ St Matthew’s Church, Northampton

January 2026/February 2026:   Come & Sing    Date to be confirmed.

21st March 2026:            Spring Concert

20th June 2026:                Summer Concert

24th June 2026:                Season ends

Application Process:
Interested candidates should submit their CV and a brief covering letter which should include what you would hope to achieve by participating in the scholarship programme to chair@npchoir.org.uk  by 18th July 2025

Applicants will be notified as soon as possible after the deadline whether they have been selected for audition.  Auditions will be held on the evening of Tuesday 29th July 2025 at St Michael’s Church, Perry Street, Northampton, NN1 4HL