Vocal

Opera - Musical - Choral - Solo - Choristers

​Principal study singers are welcomed into Chetham’s from Year 9 up to Sixth Form. Younger students can engage with vocal music as choristers, as a second study, or through vocal ensembles.

All first-study singers receive individual vocal tuition and classes each week. In addition, they are offered masterclasses with renowned soloists and experts, language, drama and movement classes, solo repertoire and choral performance opportunities, while also being involved in a variety of vocal ensembles.

The solo performance opportunities are vast, with recent highlights include one-to-one masterclasses with Yvonne Howard, Anna Huntley and Paul Wingfield, and solo vocal concerts for all first study singers as part of our lunchtime concert series.

Singers perform frequently in Vocal Concerts within and beyond the school, gaining experience in venues such as The Bridgewater Hall and sharing repertoire with a wider audience. Recent highlights include Haydn’s Harmoniemesse with the BBC Philharmonic, William Walton’s Belshazzar’s Feast with Chetham’s Symphony Orchestra, and “Millgate Street” – a show devised by the students themselves, comprised of opera scenes and choruses.

Singers work with a superb team which includes baritone and conductor Marcus Farnsworth as Head of Department, international opera singers Kathryn Rudge and Jennifer Clark, visiting vocal coach and song specialist, Libby Burgess, and visiting opera director, Genevieve Raghu.

Within the team of vocal tutors there is a wide range of approaches to vocal pedagogy which is unified by a friendly, team-led approach to vocal tuition. Kate Huddie, Assistant Head of Vocal Studies, leads on matters of vocal health.

At Chetham’s, students are invited to audition for Chetham’s Voices, directed by renowned choral conductor, Stuart Overington. Chetham’s Voices is a chance for all students with an interest in choral music to develop their musical skills by the extensive range of repertoire, spanning from renaissance choral works to jazz arrangements. Chetham’s Voices also performs with Chetham’s Symphony Orchestra ensuring large scale concerts bring together students from every department.

Every student is involved in choral singing throughout the week, aiming to progress their ensemble work and ensure a strong sense of harmony. This gives all students the groundwork to explore vocal opportunities within the school, and especially younger students who may then wish to switch to first study vocal in Year 9.

Younger children aged 8-13 may consider becoming choristers at Manchester Cathedral; all choristers receive their education at Chetham’s, enjoying instrumental lessons as well and singing regularly at Manchester Cathedral.

Chethams Christmas Concert at Manchester Cathedral