Associate Soloist

The Associate Soloist scheme was set up in 2010 with the cooperation of Sheffield University Department of Music. It offers a young singer the opportunity to work with a local choir for a whole year and to receive financial support to further their development towards a professional singing career.

The Associate Soloist scheme was supported for many years by a generous bequest from former choir member Gilly Surr.

Applications for 2025-26 are open until Friday 7 March 2024

Download the invitation to apply, which includes more information. Interviews and auditions will be held in mid-March.

Closing date: 5.00pm on Friday 7 March 2025

Associate Soloist, 2022-23 season

Elise Pelo (soprano), our most recent soloist, graduated from the University of Sheffield in 2023, with a BA Hons in Music and French. She has received vocal tuition from Carol Smith, a Guildford School of Music & Drama and National Opera Studio graduate, from Rachal Nicholls, a renowned mezzo-soprano and Royal College of Music graduate, and from Corinne Cowling, a Royal Welsh Conservatoire of Music & Drama and Guildford School of Music & Drama graduate. Elise is self-taught in guitar, has had lessons for the piano and violin, and vocal training in musical theatre production.

Information about previous Associate Soloists, many of whom joined us for our 50th anniversary concerts in 2019, can be found here.