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.

Associate Soloist, 2025-26 season

Jaime Davies (soprano), our most recent soloist, started her music career at a young age, singing with the Durban Philharmonic Orchestra for their annual Christmas concert in 2007. Throughout her school career Jaime was heavily involved in music, taking part in orchestras, choirs, and individual exams and competitions. A highlight in her school career included her participation in the Kwa-Zulu Natal Youth Choir, the oldest youth choir in South Africa. After completing a number of grade 8 exams in singing, Jaime went on to study a Bachelor of Music at the University of Pretoria. She specialised in vocal methodology and singing performance in her final year and achieved an average of 75 percent. Since then Jaime has used her knowledge to teach singing to the next generation of singers, and uses her spare time to learn more repertoire within the classical and operatic sphere.

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