The Glyndebourne Chorus rehearsal for the Festival production of Macbeth in 2007. Photo: Mike Hoban.
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'Musically it's superb, with the most responsive chorus you're likely to hear...'
Anna Picard Independent on Sunday
'...sang with a fiery prowess to confirm the Glyndebourne Chorus's reputation as a cradle of tomorrow's stars.' Andrew Porter Times Literary Supplement
Glyndebourne takes pride, and justifiably so, in the performances of the Glyndebourne Chorus, whose quality and commitment makes it one of the pre-eminent choruses in international opera. It is recruited annually and comprises a large number of talented and aspiring soloists, mainly drawn from the music colleges, and a core of highly motivated professional choristers. For many the Glyndebourne Chorus provides the much needed transition from opera course at a conservatory to the professional world, with the opportunity to understudy roles in the Festival and on tour, and in some cases leading to engagement in a principal role on tour and later in the Festival. There is an infinite amount to be learned from working in close proximity with the high-calibre artists appearing here and from exposure to some of the finest conductors, with one of London's top symphony orchestras and Britain's premier period instrument orchestra.
The list of Glyndebourne Chorus 'alumni' who have forged careers on the operatic stage is long and distinguished. It includes Thomas Allen, Janet Baker, Barry Banks, Susan Bullock, Sarah Connolly, John Daszak, Richard Van Allan, Ryland Davies, Gerald Finley, Susan Gritton, Alastair Miles, Diana Montague, Dennis O'Neill, Anne-Marie Owens, Peter Rose, Janice Watson and Louise Winter.
Steven Naylor, Director of Artistic Administration
The Jerwood Chorus Development Scheme
Since 2005 Glyndebourne has been able to increase its investment in developing young talent with the inauguration of the Jerwood Chorus Development Scheme. This programme has two aims: to provide training opportunities for members of the Glyndebourne Chorus, both as soloists and as members of an ensemble, and to increase performing opportunities for the many aspiring soloists that the Chorus nurtures. The singers work with leading conductors, directors, choreographers, theatre specialists and vocal coaches to enhance their skills and experience. The Scheme has been made possible through the generosity of the Jerwood Charitable Foundation.