What is Bridging the Gap?
Bridging the Gap is our year-long programme for early-career singers in Scotland aged 21-28, as they begin their journey on the path from young performer to fully fledged professional.
Selected by open audition each year, up to four young singers will be invited to take part in Bridging the Gap. The 2023/24 programme will include:
- Introduction Weekend – two days of sessions with Associate Director Nicholas Mulroy including ensemble and repertoire coaching
- Participation as paid professionals in our 2024 Choral Tour Scattered Rhymes
- Professional development coaching e.g., administration, fundraising for individuals
- Vocal health and massage sessions
- Recitative coaching with John Butt & musicians from Dunedin Consort
- CV, biography, and audition advice
- Mentoring and coaching
- Accommodation and travel costs covered for all events
How to apply?
Applications for the 2023-24 Bridging the Gap programme are now open and will close on 22 September 2023. For further information, please see below.
AM I ELIGIBLE?
The programme is open to Scottish or Scottish-based singers who are aged 21-28 and hoping to build a professional career.
This includes singers who are:
- Born in Scotland
- Permanently resident in Scotland
- Studying in Scotland at the time of the scheme
APPLICATIONS
Applications for the 2023-24 Bridging the Gap programme are now open and will close on 22 September 2023. To apply for Bridging the Gap, 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, of no longer than around 5 minutes long.
- 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 Amy, Learning & Participation Manager for Dunedin Consort at amy@dunedin-consort.org.uk. You can also contact the office on 0131 516 3718.
AUDITIONS
Shortlisting for applications will take place by Thursday 28 September and auditions will take place at the RSNO Centre on SATURDAY 28 OCTOBER 2023. You will be asked to prepare:
- Two contrasting pieces, at least one of which should be an aria by Bach
- A short set piece, for which we will send you the music in advance
Upon arrival, a warm up room will be available and you will be given a short ensemble piece to prepare, to be sight-read with piano. A piano accompanist will be provided on the day and repertoire should be performed at A=440.
IMPORTANT DATES
August 2023 | Applications open
22 September 2023 | Applications close
28 October 2023 | Auditions at the RSNO Centre
18-19 November 2023 | Residential weekend in Edinburgh
7-15 May 2024 | Scattered Rhymes choral tour
N.B. Availability on all of these dates is required for participation in Bridging the Gap
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: I am not free for the auditions; can I still apply?
A: If you are unable to attend the in-person audition, then unfortunately you cannot participate in the scheme
Q: I am a student living outside of Scotland; can I still apply?
A: Bridging the Gap is open to Scottish-born or Scottish-based singers only. If you are still unsure if you are eligible, please contact our Learning & Participation Managers.
Q: I am not available for the key dates; can I still apply?
A: Participation in Bridging the Gap is conditional upon availability for the key dates, as we hope our artists will wish to make the most of the opportunities on the scheme.
Q: What are Bridging the Gap alumni doing now?
A: We are incredibly proud of all the Bridging the Gap alumni, many of whom continue to work with us on projects. There is no set path for participants, but some have gone on to further study at Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Royal Northern College of Music, and Trinity Laban, while others are building careers in performing and teaching.
Meet our 2021-22 participants
Claire Lumsden soprano
Sophie Horrocks mezzo-soprano
CONTACT DETAILS
If you have further questions about Bridging the Gap, please contact Dunedin Consort’s Learning & Participation Manager, Amy Strachan, on amy@dunedin-consort.org.uk.
We want to ensure that Bridging the Gap is as open, inclusive and accessible as possible. If you have any additional support or accessibility needs, please contact Dunedin Consort’s Learning & Participation Manager, Amy Strachan, on amy@dunedin-consort.org.uk to discuss how we can accommodate your specific requirements.
2022-23 Participants
Laura Coppinger soprano
Joshua McCullough bass
Previous Participants
Sally Carr soprano
Kirsty Hobkirk soprano
Claire Lumsden soprano
Rebecca Anderson mezzo-soprano
Jessica Conway mezzo-soprano
Sophie Horrocks mezzo-soprano
Hannah Leggatt mezzo-soprano
Sam Leggett tenor
Matthew McKinney tenor
David Walsh tenor
Ross Cumming baritone
Colum Donovan-Paterson baritone
Timothy Edmundson baritone
Jonathan Forbes Kennedy baritone
