We’re delighted to be launching a new pilot conductor training project – in partnership with organisations across the country – which is specifically designed to encourage young musicians from ethnic minority backgrounds to consider a career in choral conducting or vocal leadership.
We want to see the UK classical music world better reflecting our diverse ethnic landscape; with this in mind, our pilot will give talented young ethnic minority musicians aged 16-24 an insight into the possibilities for them to tread a path in the sector, and equip them with the fundamental skills to do so, if they choose.
Our day-long pilot will run in four different locations, led by our CEO and Head of Conductor Training, Manvinder Rattan – himself of Indian extraction, born in Kenya – held in a Covid-safe environment, during which participants will learn the key skills to lead singing (and playing) in an efficient, effective and musical way, explore related career paths, and leave with lots of music and skill resources to support them with their potential future leadership activities in this field.
UPDATE: due to current lockdown measures, course dates originally scheduled for January 2021 have been postponed, and we will confirm revised dates as soon as is practicable; in the meantime, venues for the first four courses and links to partner organisation contacts are as follows:
Manchester – Hallé Youth Choir
North East London – National Youth Choirs of Great Britain and Redbridge Music Service
Leeds – RC Diocese of Leeds Music
Birmingham – CBSO Youth Chorus