The Charles Wood Singers
Join the Charles Wood Singers
11 - 18 August 2024
The Charles Wood Singers is a unique choral course which takes place during the Charles Wood Festival of Music and Summer School in Armagh. Participants will have the opportunity to develop their vocal technique, musicianship and ensemble skills under the expert direction of our Artistic Director David Hill (Conductor, The Bach Choir), our Associate Conductor Philip Scriven (Organist-in-Residence, Cranleigh School) and our Specialist Vocal Coach Paul Farrington.
Applications are welcome from all those:
aged 18 or above on 11th August 2024
who are grade 8 standard or equivalent
with previous experience of choral singing
who can demonstrate sufficient levels of enthusiasm and skill, including sight-reading, to meet the challenge of an intensive week of musical study
New applicants are asked to send a video recording of themselves singing one art song and one aria from an oratorio. This can be recorded on a mobile phone or other device, and an accompaniment track can be used. Recordings can be attached in your application form (via YouTube link or WeTransfer) or emailed to charleswoodfestival@gmail.com. Your application is only complete once you have submitted your video.
Shortlisted applicants will be invited for a remote audition which will include a short sight-singing excerpt. The excerpt will be emailed during the audition and will be unaccompanied. If you have any queries, please contact charleswoodfestival@gmail.com.
About the Charles Wood Singers
The Charles Wood Singers is one of two resident choirs during the festival week. The course is fully residential, with all meals and accommodation provided as part of the course fee.
In 2023, participants had the opportunity to:
Perform at a Come and Sing with the celebrated composer and conductor John Rutter;
Sing a service of Choral Evensong on BBC Radio 3, including a world premiere by Bob Chilcott;
Develop skills to launch your career as a professional singer in a friendly, supportive environment;
Take part in training sessions with music industry professionals, including publicists, financial experts and artists’ agents;
Enjoy a dedicated vocal health workshop with renowned vocal coach Paul Farrington;
Perform side-by-side with experienced professional singers from the UK’s top vocal ensembles;
Learn challenging and varied choral repertoire with like-minded singers.
The Canticle of the Sun
2022 saw the release of the Charles Wood Singers’ debut album, The Canticle of the Sun. The album was recorded in St. Patrick’s Church of Ireland Cathedral at the 2021 Festival, conducted by David Hill and accompanied by Philip Scriven.
The recording showcases many well-known works by Charles Villiers Stanford and Charles Wood, along with several works by the visionary American composer Amy Beach. The album received widespread critical acclaim and is available for purchase here.
In 2019, the Charles Wood Singers recorded a Sequence of Music and Readings for the New Year, with the Ulster Orchestra under the direction of David Hill. It was broadcast on BBC Radio 3 on New Year’s Day 2020. Listen to this clip of In Terra Pax by Gerald Finzi.
“Taking part in the Charles Wood Summer School is a deeply rewarding experience for anyone interested in choral music. You have the chance to sing some great music with a group of fantastic singers and the social side of the week is unforgettable!”
“The Charles Wood Summer School is a definite highlight of my year - I can’t stop coming back for more. It’s a great opportunity to meet other singers from all over and get fantastic coaching. I’d definitely recommend it.”