1st Soprano 50, BBC Singers

JOB DETAILS

CONTRACT TYPE: Permanent 1 x 50% position
DEPARTMENT: BBC Singers
LOCATION: Maida Vale Studios London

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

THE BBC SINGERS:

As a vital resource in the BBCs music output the BBC Singers hold a unique position in British musical life. Performing everything from Monteverdi to Mvula Tallis to Takemitsu their versatility is second to none.

Winners of the coveted Ensemble Award at the 2024 Royal Philharmonic Society Awards the professional choirs unrivalled expertise in performing the latest contemporary scores and music from all genres of choral repertoire has brought about creative relationships with some of the most important composers and conductors of the 20th and 21st addition their flexibility and agility has seen then collaborate with artists across many genres in recent years including with Laura Mvula Katie Melua Clare Teal Abel Selaocoe Shiva Feshareki South Asian dance company Akademi world music fusion band Kabantu and with choreographer Duane Taylor and artists from East London Dance.

Based at the BBCs Maida Vale Studios the BBC Singers perform all over the UK and abroad working regularly with the BBCs own orchestras as well as a number of period-instrument and contemporary music ensembles. Equally at home on the concert platform as in the recording studio this world-class ensemble is committed to sharing its enthusiasm and creative expertise through its nationwide education programme. This includes regular collaborations with schoolchildren youth choirs and the amateur choral community as well as with the professional composers singers and conductors of tomorrow.

For more information visit BBC Singers - Events - BBC

Applications are invited for the post of Soprano with the BBC Singers offered as a 50% position. The role involves flexibility working with another 50% soprano colleague to ensure the full delivery of the BBC Singers schedule.

YOUR SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
ESSENTIAL CRITERIA:

• Must have strong experience in professional choral singing and excellent sight-reading skills.
• Familiar with the BBC Singers repertoire and capable of performing to the highest artistic standards.
• Able to work flexibly and effectively within a diverse team showing respect and readiness at every session.
• Understand and actively support the groups educational and learning initiatives.
• Willing to foster constructive relationships with choir members management colleagues and audiences.

DESIRED BUT NOT REQUIRED:

• Expertise in a broad range of musical and performance activities including chamber music education and studio soundtrack work

AUDITIONS INFORMATION:

Auditions will take place at at BBC Maida Vale Studios London W9 on the following dates only:

1st round audition - Thursday 29th January 2026

2nd round audition - Friday 30th January 2026

3rd round interview - by arrangement

FIRST-ROUND AUDITION REQUIREMENTS

1) Set Piece: Zerfließe mein Herze from Bachs St John Passion A440

2) Own choice: Contrasting aria or song written post 1970 (3 mins max.) A440

3) Sight-reading tests

SECOND-ROUND AUDITION REQUIREMENTS

1) Set Piece: Roxanna Panufnik The Uncertainty of the poet (copy to be provided to those shortlisted)

2) Own choice: Contrasting aria or song in a foreign language (4 mins max.). Must not be by J.S. Bach. A440

3) Sight-reading tests

4) Ensemble singing (repertoire provided in advance)

CP25