Join the Charles Wood Singers

16 - 23 August 2026

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), and our Associate Conductor Philip Scriven (Organist-in-Residence, Cranleigh School).

Applications are welcome from all those:

• aged 18 or above on 16th August 2026

• 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. Former CW Singers do not need to submit another recording.

Shortlisted applicants will be invited for a remote audition after the 24th April Deadline 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.

Details about payment towards the cost will follow after a successful audition.

The Charles Wood Singers

The Charles Wood Singers are the flagship chamber choir of the Charles Wood Festival of Music and Summer School. Bringing together a select group of exceptional young singers from across the UK, Ireland, the USA, Norway, and beyond, the choir is known for its musical versatility, expressive performances, and high artistic standards. Under the inspiring direction of internationally renowned conductor David Hill, and working closely with festival accompanist Philip Scriven, the Charles Wood Singers perform a wide-ranging repertoire from early sacred music to contemporary commissions.

Participation in the choir offers a unique and valuable opportunity for singers to refine their ensemble skills, develop vocal technique, and work with top-level professional musicians in an intensive and supportive environment. The choir performs in many of the Festival’s flagship events, including major concerts, cathedral services, and broadcast recordings — most notably the annual Choral Evensong recorded for BBC Radio 3 in St Patrick’s Cathedral, Armagh.

In addition to performance opportunities, singers benefit from high-quality coaching, workshops, and mentoring throughout the week. This includes one-to-one tuition, sectional rehearsals, and guidance on professional pathways from experienced practitioners. Many alumni have gone on to win scholarships, join prestigious vocal ensembles, and pursue successful careers in music.

The Charles Wood Singers represent the Festival’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of choral talent, offering a platform for emerging voices to be challenged, inspired, and celebrated in one of Ireland’s most vibrant summer music events.