Take part

Glyndebourne Academy

Glyndebourne Academy is an operatic development project which aims to support gifted young singers.

APPLICATIONS FOR ACADEMY 2026 ARE NOW OPEN
Are you interested in pursuing classical singing but have faced challenges in your musical development? Whether this is due to challenging personal circumstances, geographical or financial barriers or other factors, Glyndebourne Academy could be right for you.

We are looking for talented young singers aged between 18 – 26 for Glyndebourne Academy to receive intensive training, mentorship, advice and guidance on future development and career pathways. Led by our Vocal Talent Consultant Mary King, you will work with industry professionals to develop a variety of classical singing performance disciplines including vocal, movement and language coaching.

Following a thorough recruitment process to select a number of singers who show exceptional potential, the Glyndebourne Academy sessions are spread throughout the year and are designed to fit around school and college timetables.

Application Process

Applications are made through YAP Tracker and must include an up-to-date headshot. The headshot does not have to be professionally taken. If you need to make an account to apply, this is free of charge. You can find further guidance for your application here.

Please note that applicants must be resident in the UK and Ireland at the time of application and for the duration of Academy 2026 to be eligible to take part.

Successful applicants will be invited to attend an in-person audition. In 2025, auditions took place in Liverpool, Bristol and London. 2026 locations will be confirmed in February 2026 based on applications. From there, those who are shortlisted will attend a second round audition workshop weekend in London. Up to ten participants will be selected to take part in the final programme.

The application deadline is Sunday 11 January 2026 at 11.59pm.

Glyndebourne is an Equal Opportunities Employer and a Registered Charity. We promote equality, diversity and inclusion and actively encourage applications from those whose backgrounds are currently underrepresented in the world of opera.


Cost

There are no application or audition fees for Glyndebourne Academy. If you require assistance with your travel costs to get to auditions please let us know in your application.

Tuition, room, board and transport for the Glyndebourne Academy programme are provided from the Launch Day onwards.


Key Dates

  • November – YAP Tracker applications open
  • January – Applications close
  • April – First round auditions. Locations TBC
  • May – Second round auditions. London. Location TBC
  • July – Launch Weekend
  • August – Residential Week
  • October – Final Weekend

‘Glyndebourne Academy has been an absolutely incredible experience for me. What really sets it apart from other schools, colleges, or intensive programs is how it adapts to every participant’s ability level, whether you’re experienced, who can read music, or someone who’s still learning. The Academy ensures that everyone is supported and can keep up with the fast-paced, intensive learning environment. I found myself constantly challenged in the best way possible.’ – 2024 Academy cohort member

‘It was great to have industry professionals leading the day, and giving us the chance to realise that even people who are accomplished in the industry have similar struggles to people early on the path.’ – 2025 Academy auditionee

‘Glyndebourne Academy has created such a safe space for me – one where I feel comfortable enough to take risks and make mistakes. The creative team have been so supportive and have truly challenged me, where I feel inspired and motivated but not overwhelmed. I have learnt more about myself and about pathways than I ever thought I could. I couldn’t have asked for a better creative team, Learning and Engagement team, or cohort. I feel so grateful. I have never felt so motivated.’ – 2025 Academy cohort member


Academy Alumni

2012

  • Alaric Green
  • Sophie Gregory
  • Rachel Houslin
  • Victoria Hughes
  • Nina Kanter
  • Katarina Melling
  • Naomi Rogers
  • Zachary West

2015

  • Hannah Boxall
  • Ione Chadwick
  • Rebecca de Coverly Veale
  • Anna Heywood
  • Katie MacDonald
  • Emma Peacock
  • Andrew Powis
  • Darwin Prakash
  • William Rennie
  • Ryan Williams

2017

  • Fionn Ó hAlmhain
  • Connor Campbell
  • Lydia Haynes
  • Joseph Hookway
  • Kiefer Jones
  • Charlotte Killingley
  • Holden Madagame
  • Olivia Moss
  • Emilie Parry

2019

  • Frankie Bounds
  • Roseanna Bowen
  • Conrad Chatterton
  • Luke Hagerty
  • Owen Lucas
  • Alexandra Mather
  • Katerina Piperakis
  • Morgana Warren-Jones

2021

  • Timothy Asbridge
  • Penny Ashmore
  • Paige Blankson
  • Ambrose Connolly
  • Jodie Li-Smith
  • Max O’Neill
  • Millie Royle
  • Stephen Walker

2023

  • Amy Porter
  • Edward Daly
  • Eilís Dexter
  • Grace Wallace
  • Jessica Partington-West
  • John Rhys Liddington
  • Josh Quinlan
  • Matthew Cooke
  • Oscar Bowen-Hill

2024

  • Rose Berelowitz 
  • Noor Bhatia
  • Charlotte Craven
  • Caradog Jones
  • Ilona Nastase
  • Eleanor Ninham
  • Jessica Parnell
  • Ifan Rhys Thomas
  • Chelsie Robinson

2025

  • Lauren Bagge
  • Bethan Evans
  • Ellen Griffiths
  • Gabriel Huc-Hepher
  • Naveen Kanamarlapudi
  • Leoni Malewezi
  • Caleb Mock
  • Mayuri Swaminathan
  • Sophie Whelan

If you have any questions about application requirements please do contact the Learning & Engagement team at takepart@glyndebourne.com or phone 01273 815023.


Glyndebourne’s Learning & Engagement programme is made possible thanks to Arts Council England and generous donations through Glyndebourne’s New Generation Programme.

Image credits: James Bellorini

You might also like

Join us in a journey of discovery, and go behind the scenes …
Find out what's coming up next year.
Enjoy photos from our 2025 Christmas events, and a video of …
Brighten the stage with world-class opera and artists
Glyndebourne Shop
Our online shop offers a great selection of exclusive and locally sourced products. Every purchase supports our work.
Become a Member
Enjoy priority booking for the Festival. Find out how you can join as an Associate Member
Support us
Glyndebourne is a charity and the Festival receives no public subsidy. We rely on generous supporters who are passionate about opera.