Emerging talent opportunities

For Edinburgh International Festival 2024, we are building on the successful 2023 emerging talent pilot project, ‘Exploring Mendelssohn’, that gave five emerging string players the chance to take part in a performance of Mendelssohn’s Octet, alongside musicians Stefan Jackiw, Jessica Bodner and Sterling Elliott. This year, we are offering a wider range of opportunities for classical music’s rising stars to take part in a tailored mentoring programme, culminating in public performances during the 2024 Festival at one of our key Festival venues.

We have 3 opportunities:

1. Rising Stars with Ilumina and Liza Ferschtman:

We are looking for up to six talented, emerging string players (violin, viola, cello, double bass) of conservatoire level standard to work with mentors Liza Ferschtman, Jennifer Stumm, and musicians from the pioneering music training organisation Ilumina, culminating in a public performance as part of our series of evening concerts in the Festival’s home at The Hub.

You must be available for the following dates:

Rehearsals: 15 – 17 August 2024
Performance: 17 August 2024

2. Rising Stars of Brass:

We are looking for up to five talented, emerging brass players (trumpet, french horn, trombone, bass trombone, tuba) of conservatoire level standard to work with mentors Chris Hart and Aaron Akugbo, culminating in a public performance as part of our series of evening concerts in the Festival’s home at The Hub. There is also an additional performance in a community setting as part of our ongoing Discovery & Participation work.

You must be available for the following dates:

Rehearsals: 20 – 23 August 2024
Performances: 22 and 23 August 2024

3. Exploring Rossini with Thomas Quasthoff:

We are looking for:

• Twelve exceptional, early career singers (x3 soprano, x3 mezzo-soprano, x3 tenor, and x3 bass)

and

• Two talented, emerging instrumentalists - a pianist and a harmonium player

This is an opportunity to take part in a series of rehearsals and masterclasses led by the acclaimed bass-baritone Thomas Quasthoff, culminating in a public performance of Rossini’s Petite Messe Sollenelle under his direction. This performance will close our world-class chamber music series of morning concerts at The Queen’s Hall. The tenors and basses will also form part of the servants group for a concert performance of Capriccio to close the Usher Hall series. The pianist will also perform in the Philharmonia Orchestra’s Family Concert at the Usher Hall.

You must be available for the following dates:

Rehearsals: 19 – 23 (dress) August 2024
Performances: 24 August (and 25 August for the pianist, tenors and basses only) 2024

Audition Requirements:

To be considered, candidates will need to submit:

• A video audition in the format of a private link to the video on YouTube, Vimeo, etc. Please check your video is set to ‘unlisted’ (the semi-private setting that means your video is visible to anyone who has the link).
• A current C.V.
• Details of current teacher (if applicable).

Applicants for the Rising Stars opportunities must not be part of a recognised existing chamber group, playing professionally.

Video audition requirements:

Rising Stars with Ilumina and Liza Ferschtman:

• A video audition consisting of the first movement of a Classical or early Romantic concerto or sonata. Candidates playing without accompaniment will not be penalised.

Rising Stars of Brass:

• A video audition consisting of a movement from a concerto or sonata (or similar work). Candidates playing without accompaniment will not be penalised.
  

Exploring Rossini with Thomas Quasthoff:

• Singers: A video audition consisting of an aria and lieder / art song accompanied by piano or orchestra (can be separate tracks).
• Instrumentalists: A video audition consisting of a solo work or a movement from a sonata from the classical repertoire.

Guidance for auditions:

The video audition pieces are what we suggest but they are a guide only. If you are unable to meet the specific requirements, we will be happy to accept other repertoire that you feel best demonstrates your skills, and the application will still be considered.

All applicants must be aged 18 or over.

What we offer:

These are paid, early career opportunities. We can offer a fee starting at GBP £650 for the Rising Stars opportunities, and GBP £1,500 for the Exploring Rossini opportunity. Contributions to travel costs and accommodation are also provided.

Application Process:

Applications should be addressed to Kirsty Hughes, Music & Scheduling Co-ordinator, and emailed to [email protected] by Sunday 28 April 2024. You will receive an automatic acknowledgement of your application.

Please include the title of the opportunity you are applying for in the subject line of your email.

Successful applicants will be contacted by the end of May.