Welcome to the Singing Auditions for 2023–24!

Auditions are held each academic year for Cambridge University Chamber Choir (CUCC), Cambridge University Symphony Chorus (CUSC), and the Sir Arthur Bliss Lieder Scheme.

Applications for 2023–24 are now open. The next auditions will be held in January.

  • Detailed information on requirements for each opportunity can be found below.
  • If you want to apply for more than one opportunity, please fill in a separate application form for each.

If you are looking for information about:

Apply to CUCC Apply to CUSC Apply to Lieder Scheme

Chamber Choir (CUCC)

Chamber Choir (CUCC)

Cambridge University Chamber Choir provides the university’s best singers the opportunity to perform, to the highest possible standard, a complex and diverse range of repertoire and learn how to approach it with skill, precision and musicality.

All places in CUCC are awarded after audition each year. The choir is formed of a core of 16 singers.

Auditions are held at the beginning of each academic year (early October) via video submission. We are occasionally able to hold auditions mid-year if additional singers are needed for a specific project.

You will need to complete an application form and provide a reference from a Director of Music or singing teacher who knows your voice.

How to audition

You will need to complete an application form by 9am on 12 October 2023. You are encouraged to sign up early to give yourself time to prepare your video submission

What happens at the audition?

Audition format

Auditions will take the format of a video submission consisting of two pieces of your choice (no more than 10 minutes in total).

There are no requirements for your choice of piece, but you should consider choosing repertoire that displays the full range of your abilities.

The deadline for your video submission is 9am on the 12th of October.

Notes

  • Successful candidates will have the ability to sight-read music well and hold their own in an ensemble.
  • Though we expect members of CUCC to be able to perform solo parts, most will also have some choral experience.
  • The choir is formed of a core of 16 singers, but there will be the opportunity for other singers to join the choir for specific projects.

Sir Arthur Bliss Lieder Scheme

Sir Arthur Bliss Lieder Scheme

The Sir Arthur Bliss Lieder Scheme provides professional coaching in all aspects of Lieder and song performance to the most promising Lieder singers and accompanists in the University.

All places on the Lieder Scheme are awarded after audition each year. There are up to four successful duos each year.

Auditions are held at the beginning of each academic year (early October) with the Lieder Scheme Musical Director, Joseph Middleton.

You should apply as a vocal/piano duo. You will need to complete an application form together and upload individual performing CVs and details of your proposed audition programme.

How to book an audition

You will need to complete an application form by 9am on 12 October 2023. Shortlisted duos will be informed on 16 October. The deadline has now been extended to 12 noon on Friday 20 October.

What happens at the audition?

If your application is successful, your duo will be invited to an audition with Joseph Middleton (Lieder Scheme Musical Director), which will take place in the Auditorium, Pembroke College on Friday 27 October 2023 from 2.30pm.

Audition format

  • Auditions will take 15 minutes.
  • You will be asked to perform three accompanied songs lasting no more than 10 minutes in total, one each in German, English and any other language.
  • You may be asked questions about your experience.

Notes

  • Operatic arias and solos from oratorios are not suitable.
  • The programme should last no more than ten minutes in total.
  • You should apply as a vocal/piano duo.

Symphony Chorus (CUSC)

Symphony Chorus (CUSC)

Cambridge University Symphony Chorus is a busy and vibrant choir that gives singers the fantastic opportunity to perform some of the most dramatic and passionate choral music ever written.

All members of CUSC need to attend an informal audition every 3 years. The chorus has approximately 120 singers at any time.

Auditions are held at the beginning of each academic term (October, January, April) with the CUSC Musical Director. We are occasionally able to hold auditions mid-term.

You will need to complete an application form.

How to book an audition

You will need to complete an application form by 3pm on 25 January 2024 (for Lent term). When you submit your application, you will be sent a link to select an audition time. You are encouraged to sign up early to choose from a wider range of times.

What happens at the audition?

You will be invited to a solo audition with the CUSC Musical Director, which typically take place before rehearsals on Thursday evenings at the start of each academic term.

Audition format

  • Auditions will take 10 minutes.
  • You will be asked to perform your voice part for ‘Requiem Aeternum’ from ‘Libera Me’ (No.7) from Verdi’s Messa da Requiem [bb.132–170 in Peters edition available at imslp ].
  • You will be asked to sing some scales and/or arpeggios to demonstrate vocal range and quality.
  • You will be given some simple ear tests (e.g., picking out notes from a chord, pitching some basic intervals).
  • You will be asked to perform some short (graded) sight-reading.
  • You may be asked questions about your experience.

Notes

This is an informal process so that you get an opportunity to meet the Director and he can assess your range, sound and strengths.