Emerging Artists
The renowned Garsington Opera Chorus is formed of members of the Alvarez Emerging Artists’ Programme, which aims to discover and nurture the next generation of professional opera singers.
2026 Emerging Artist Applications are now open
Led by Head of Music and Chorus Director Jonathon Cole-Swinard, the programme recruits annually from conservatoires internationally in search of young singers with the talent and flair to become the soloists of tomorrow. In addition to singing in the chorus, the majority of our Emerging Artists understudy a principal role or sing a small role, which enables them to prepare as a soloist alongside established artists and creatives.
Understudies rehearse with assistant directors and conductors, culminating in a cover run of each opera attended by Garsington’s artistic team. In 2025 the main OperaFirst performance will be L’elisir d’amore, where covers will perform a full show with the Philharmonia Orchestra for a schools’ audience. We also hope to do a reduced Rodelinda for a primary school audience with The English Concert.
In addition to their chorus and cover activity, Emerging Artists attend extra-curricular seminars on auditioning, agents, self-promotion, CVs, tax for self-employed artists, mental well-being and working in the German Fest opera system. We also offer the chance to make a professionally produced aria recording, and hold masterclasses at Wormsley with guest teachers and Garsington principals. At the end of the Festival each artist has a feedback session to reflect on their progress and discuss prospects for the future.
The chance for progression is critical to the ethos of the programme. Certain principal roles in future seasons are earmarked to be cast with former Alvarez Emerging Artists and during each Festival members of the current cohort have the chance to be auditioned by Artistic Director Douglas Boyd.
The result of this strategic investment was evident in Platée, where four supporting roles were cast with members of the Emerging Artists’ Programme. We also welcomed back former Emerging Artists Claire Lees (Orfeo, 2022), Bethany Horak-Hallett (Cosi fan tutte) and Frazer Scott (Orfeo 2022, Il barbiere di siviglia and The Bartered Bride, 2023) in our principal cast of Le nozze di Figaro, singing Susanna, Cherubino and Antonio respectively.
“By supporting Garsington’s Emerging Artists the delight of helping young singers fulfil their talent far outweighs any personal moral satisfaction. Within the “family environment” of Garsington you may meet the singers, hear of their ambition, perhaps explore the Musical Director’s overview or even sit in on a rehearsal – the enchanted mechanics of building an Opera – what a treat!”
Lionel Anthony, Emerging Artists Supporter
How to Apply
Applications for our 2026 Emerging Artists programme are now open!
We are now receiving applications via YAP tracker.
The deadline to apply is Friday 5 September 2025.
2025 Award Winners
Each year we make financial awards to exceptional artists and colleagues who have excelled during the season.
The Leonard Ingrams Awards, named after our founder, can be awarded to any young professional – singers, conductors, directors – and recognise extraordinary talent and dedication. The Helen Clarke and Simon Sandbach Awards, given to members of the Chorus, honour the memory of two Garsington Opera staff members who left us before their time. The Nicky Creed Award is given in celebration and recognition of Nicky’s 25 years with the company and recognises someone who has made a significant contribution to the season, either on or off the stage
Leonard Ingrams Awards
Hugh Cutting
Hugh played the role of Unulfo in Rodelinda and covered the role of Bertarido, performing the role for the OperaFirst performance.
Vuyisa Xipu
Vuyisa was a member of the chorus for The Queen of Spades and L’elisir d’amore. He also covered the role of Nemorino in L’elisir d’amore, performing the role for the OperaFirst performance.
Helen Clarke Award
James Micklethwaite
James played the role of Tchaplitsky in The Queen of Spades and was a member of the chorus for The Queen of Spades. He also covered the role of Grimoaldo in Rodelinda, performing the role for the OperaFirst performance.
Simon Sandbach Award
Alexandria Moon
Alexandria played the role of Masha in The Queen of Spades and was a member of the chorus for The Queen of Spades. She also covered the role of Eduige in Rodelinda, performing the role for the OperaFirst performance.
Nicky Creed Award
Laura Hounsell
Laura was the Trainee Assistant Director for Rodelinda and Fidelio, directing the Rodelinda covers for the London Showcase and assistant directing the OperaFirst performance.
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