Genesis Sixteen in the Clitheroe Advertiser

Jennie Marsden, of Pendleton, is one of the first singers to be accepted on The Sixteen's new training programme in collaboration with the Genesis Foundation, Genesis Sixteen. The young singer was recently featured in an article from the Clitheroe Advertiser.

In the article, Jennie was said to be “thrilled and delighted at her selection for Genesis Sixteen, which is specifically designed to bridge the gap from student to professional practitioner. Since graduation she has been continuing her studies with Sandra Dugdale, of the Royal Northern College of Music, and gaining valuable teaching experience locally as a vocal tutor at Blackburn Cathedral, Westholme School and St Mary’s College, Blackburn.”

Genesis Sixteen is The Sixteen's new training programme which aims to nurture the next generation of talented young voices. The Clitheroe Advertiser article describe it as “a prestigious new scheme aimed at identifying and nurturing exceptional musical talent and ability.”

This programme is the UK's first fully-funded choral programme for young singers and the idea is to identify and nurture students with exceptional musical ability and the potential to become professional ensemble singers, an area in which The Sixteen is internationally renowned.  Routes into the world of professional choral singing are reducing in the UK, not least because Oxford and Cambridge choral scholarships are only available to those who obtain the very highest examination grades, and music conservatories still tend to tailor their training towards solo careers.

During the course of a year, a series of intensive weekend and week-long courses for singers will be led by key artists from The Sixteen, including founder and conductor Harry Christophers.  A unique partnership between The Sixteen and the Genesis Foundation means that the participants will receive a bursary for UK travel, accommodation and board costs while participating on the scheme's four courses, around the UK.

"Our priority is to identify the next generation of ensemble choral singers and to give them the opportunity to train at the highest level.  We are delighted that the generosity of the Genesis Foundation has made this possible." - Harry Christophers

The courses will offer participants comprehensive training in the fundamental principles of consort singing, with an emphasis on ensemble, tuning and vocal blend, as well as introducing them to a variety of styles and periods of music. The first course will be held in London in a few weeks time, at the end of August.

To read the full article, please follow the Clitheroe Advertiser link.

To learn more about Genesis Sixteen, please visit the Genesis Sixteen programme’s page on our website or The Sixteen's website.