Opus XVI Chamber Choir

Opus XVI Scholarship

Opus XVI Chamber Choir is a small, friendly, amateur Chamber Choir with about 24 members. We are based in West Dulwich, and sing a variety of choral music from the 16th century to contemporary. We stage three concerts a year to a high standard in our local area, accompanied by professional soloists and musicians.

Following the successful completion of last year’s scholar, April Wei-West, who is headed to Japan to pursue research for her PhD in Musicology, we are excited to offer a one-year Music Scholarship for an aspiring musician who wishes to develop their skills in choral singing, conducting and/or accompaniment.

The scholarship is open to talented and enthusiastic secondary school students, university students in full or part-time music education, teachers in training/early-career teachers (primary and secondary) who may have responsibilities leading singing or music ensembles.

The scholarship would suit those preparing for university music scholarships, building their experience for the CV and broadening their repertoire knowledge. Whatever your motivation, if you are interested in what we have to offer, we are interested in you!

We are now recruiting for our 2026 Music Scholarship.

Applications are open for Music Scholars to join us for the calendar year, from January to December 2026. 

Music Scholars are expected to have a desire to become a rounded musician with choral, conducting or accompanying experience. At least one of these attributes should already be evident with a demonstrated interest in exploring and developing an additional skill. This will help to enhance and support our choir, and in return the scholar will receive the following benefits:

• Training and mentorship under our Music Director, James Dixon, in choral singing, conducting and accompaniment to pursue their music aspirations;
• Opportunities for solo performances /conducting/accompanying at concerts and other events arranged by Opus XVI Chamber Choir;
• Participation in a recruitment and selection process;
• Two complimentary adult tickets for each Opus XVI concert during their tenure;
• An honorarium of £300 per term (total £900 for the period) plus extra fees for any other relevant events throughout this period.

The Music Scholar will be expected to:

• Attend rehearsals regularly subject to agreement with the Music Director. Rehearsals are on Monday evenings during term time from 19:30 to 21:30pm at All Saints West Dulwich, Lovelace Rd, Norwood, London SE21 8JY;
• Attend all concerts during the period of the agreement;
• Undertake independent work outside rehearsals if necessary to ensure the quality of performance is maintained;
• Provide an approved deputy if unable to attend a concert;
• Attend a probation meeting after one month of their appointment with the Music Director and Chair of Opus XVI Chamber Choir;
• Attend an appraisal meeting after each concert;
• It is also desirable that the Music Scholar is able to take part in some wider aspects of Opus XVI Chamber Choir’s activities e.g. a workshop, promotional event, etc.

The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate some, but not necessarily all of the following:

• A desire to follow a musical career;
• Choral and/or solo singing ability, and/or
• Conducting interest and some experience, and/or
• Keyboard experience.

In addition, they will need:

• Secure sight-reading skills;
• Effective self-management;
• To be a team player;
• A passion for high standards of music-making and choral singing.

How to apply

We welcome applications from anyone who is interested in this opportunity for 2026.

In your application, which must be received by us by 7th November, please tell us why you are interested in becoming a Music Scholar with Opus XVI Chamber Choir and what you will bring to the role. You may use our Scholarship Application Form and send it to enquiries@opus16.org.uk.

Application Form | Contract

We are currently exploring possible ways to attract grant funding and/or donations to continue the experience into 2026-27 and beyond, knowing how difficult the current economic climate is for students just now. The scholarship is currently worth £900 per year to the successful candidate; this is reviewed annually.

If you are interested in helping us support a Music Scholar in the future, please get in touch: enquiries@opus16.org.uk