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Youth Academy

Youth Academy is a classical singing development programme which aims to support talented young performers aged between 14 - 19 years old across the country.

Youth Academy is a Vocal Talent Development project aimed at 14 – 19 year old singers who want to learn more about classical singing but don’t know where to start, and love to sing but don’t know how to get to the next level.

In Glyndebourne Youth Academy 2022-2023, a cohort of young, talented singers worked with industry professionals to learn about classical music, exploring singing, movement, drama, text and languages. Our team, led by Glyndebourne Vocal Talent Consultant Mary King, gave an insight into what it’s like to work in the world of opera and classical singing, and guided the young singers to explore vocal technique. There were also opportunities to talk about development as a singer and what further avenues could be pursued. 

The programme started as a hybrid with both online and in-person sessions with 25 young singers. Following the October 2022 Audition Workshops, online sessions and a day-long workshop in June 2023, 10 participants were selected to attend a 3-day intensive residential course in July 2023. 

“Above all, the tutorial with Mary allowed the chance for all my personal and nitty gritty questions to be answered about different elements of the opera world, and what I can do to pursue it and improve overall.” – Former Glyndebourne Talent Development participant

“Throughout this process I have learnt to better my control over my vocal range as well as the portrayal of the characters’ emotions in my pieces and performances.” – Former Glyndebourne Talent Development participant

“I am incredibly grateful to Glyndebourne for giving me so many unique opportunities.” – Former Glyndebourne Talent Development participant

Applications are now closed for Glyndebourne Youth Academy 2022-2023

If you would like to be notified of other upcoming opportunities, please sign up for our Glyndebourne Youth Opera mailing list below. If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact us at takepart@glyndebourne.com.


Photographer: Sarah Hickson


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

Photography by James Bellorini and Sam Stephenson

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