Bridging the what…?

Starting out on a professional career as a musician is both thrilling and terrifying. Taking the step between music college or university and self-employment might seem daunting, but there’s no doubt that the advice and support of established professionals can help to make the process smoother, more enjoyable and more rewarding.

Bridging the Gap is our platform for early-career musicians. It’s designed to help foster young talent, allowing singers and instrumentalists to consolidate existing skills and acquire new ones as they begin their journey on the path from young performer to fully fledged professional.

How does it work?

Selected by open audition each year, up to four young musicians will perform alongside and be mentored by Dunedin’s regular cast of performers. The scheme offers a unique opportunity to tour with our internationally renowned musicians and to gain from their expertise, and to learn from a variety of performance and development opportunities throughout the year.

This initiative is part of our commitment to fostering the next generation of musicians, providing them with a unique opportunity to grow and develop on the path to a professional career.

Who can apply?

In 2019, Dunedin Consort are looking for singers of all voice types who are keen to develop their experience of professional ensemble singing. Eligible participants must be based in Scotland and aged between 21-28 at the time of applying. If you are accepted onto the scheme, you must be available to join Dunedin Consort in Scotland between 12-16 November 2019.

How to apply?

Applications for the 2019-20 Bridging the Gap scheme are now being accepted, and the deadline for receiving applications is 5pm on Monday 30 September 2019.

To apply for the scheme, you will need to provide:

• A covering letter no longer than 500 words, explaining why you would like to be involved in the scheme and how you think it might benefit you.
• A single page C.V. detailing your relevant experience.
• An audio or video link of you singing a solo work from the 17th or 18th century.
• A completed diversity questionnaire.

These can be uploaded online, by following the Apply Now and Diversity Questionnaire links at the top of this page.

If you have any further questions, or if you have a disability that prevents you from following the application process as described above, please do not hesitate to contact Lucia, the Learning & Participation Manager for Dunedin Consort at lucia@dunedin-consort.org.uk. You can also contact the office on 0131 327 6020.

What happens next?

Shortlisting for applications will take place on Tuesday 1 October, and if you are successful at this stage you will be invited to an audition, which will take place at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland on Monday 14 October 2019.

Here you will be asked to prepare two contrasting pieces, at least one of which should be a solo excerpt from a Bach Passion or the Christmas Oratorio. You will also be asked to prepare a set piece, which we will send you the music for in advance. During the audition you will be given a short piece of sight-reading, to be sung alongside another singer.

A piano accompanist will be provided on the day.

Up to four singers will be chosen to join the 2019-20 Bridging the Gap scheme. As part of the scheme you will be invited to join Dunedin Consort – as a paid professional – for the Requiem Aeternam choral tour directed by Nicholas Mulroy, between 12-16 November 2019. Participants will also be offered a range of performance and development opportunities throughout 2019-20.