Royal Scottish National Orchestra ChorusSir Alexander Gibson Memorial Fellowship

for Choral ConductorsSeason 2016:17

rsno.org.uk/live

The Sir Alexander Gibson Memorial Fellowship is open to choral conductors interested in furthering their experience of choral conducting. The Fellowship offers the successful candidate the unique opportunity to work at a very high level with the chorus of Scotland’s National Orchestra and its Chorus Director. The fellowship offers the recipient a remuneration of £3,000 per annum and a travel bursary of up to £500.

The fellowship will involve attendance at a significant number of RSNO Chorus rehearsals. Rehearsals are held on Wednesday evenings in Glasgow and the specific number of rehearsals at which attendance is required will be decided at the discretion of the Chorus Director. The successful fellow will also be expected to attend all conductor’s piano rehearsals, orchestral rehearsals and performances of the RSNO Chorus for one season from September to June and to work with the RSNO Chorus Academy. An opportunity to observe and work with the RSNO Junior Chorus could be available to suitable candidates.

Recipients of the Fellowship will benefit from mentoring on the following:

• Preparation of scores• How to take rehearsals• Working with the Chorus as

a whole and in sections (as necessary)

• Flexibility will be built in to suit the needs of the recipient, Chorus and its Chorus Director

REPERTOIRE 2016:17

Verdi RequiemHandel MessiahMozart Requiem (Come and Sing)Brahms NänieBarry Humiliated and Insulted (RSNO Commission)Mahler Symphony No 3

Sir Alexander Gibson

Gregory Batsleer RSNO CHORUS DIRECTOR

RSNO CHORUSThe Royal Scottish National Orchestra Chorus is Scotland’s leading symphonic chorus, singing numerous concerts annually with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, plus charity events.

As an amateur chorus the members receive no payment for their services, but the level of performance and the speed at which they are required to learn repertoire means that the level of ability of the singers is high. The singers are auditioned at entry and regularly re-assessed to ensure standards are upheld.

RSNO CHORUS DIRECTORThe Chorus Director prepares the Chorus and repertoire for the conductor of the performance.

Gregory Batsleer is one of the UK’s most dynamic and in demand choral conductors and chorus masters and became Chorus Director of the RSNO in January 2015.

Gregory is Artistic Director of the National Portrait Gallery’s Choir in Residence Programme and

Principal Conductor of the Portrait Choir, a newly formed professional chamber choir. Gregory has, since 2009, held the position of Chorus Director of the Scottish Chamber Orchestra Chorus, where his work has attracted widespread critical acclaim. He also maintains a close association with the National Youth Choir of Great Britain.

RSNOThe Royal Scottish National Orchestra was formed in 1891. Many renowned conductors have contributed to its success, including George Szell, Sir John Barbirolli, Walter Susskind, Sir Alexander Gibson, Neeme Järvi, Walter Weller, Alexander Lazarev and Stéphane Denève. As one of Scotland’s National Performing Companies, the RSNO gives concerts throughout Scotland. The Orchestra appears regularly at the Edinburgh International Festival, the St Magnus Festival and the BBC Proms. In 2017 the Orchestra will present a four-date tour of Spain in January and an eight-date tour of Florida, USA in March, both with Music Director Peter Oundjian.

Sir Alexander Gibson was instrumental in the formation of the Royal Scottish National Orchestra Chorus. As he did so much to encourage and develop music in Scotland at all levels, and in particular gave his support to those keen to learn, it is appropriate that this fellowship should bear his name.

SELECTION PROCESS

19 Killermont Street, Glasgow G2 3NX+44 (0)141 226 3868 rsno.org.ukScottish Company No 27809 Scottish Charity No SC010702

The RSNO is supported by the Scottish Government

Candidates should already have some experience of choral conducting. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to interview and will be given the opportunity to rehearse the RSNO Chorus in a specific piece of music. Assessment of these performances will be given by the RSNO’s Executive Producer, RSNO Chorus Director, Chair of the RSNO Chorus Committee and Chorus members.

HOW TO APPLYPlease email your CV and covering letter, with contact details of two professional referees, as a PDF attachment to christine.walker@rsno.org.uk. Please also provide any supporting reviews, DVDs or videos of your recent work.

Alternatively, please post your application to:Christine WalkerLearning and Engagement ManagerRSNO Centre19 Killermont StreetGlasgow G2 3NX

Please note that previous holders of the Fellowship are not eligible to apply.

Closing date: Fri 20 May 2016Auditions: Thu 16 June 2016

SIR ALEXANDER GIBSON MEMORIAL FELLOWSHIP