If you’re enthusiastic about singing, would like to improve your skills, and would love to be part of a high-achieving small choral ensemble, then this could be the opportunity you’ve been looking for! Commitment and enthusiasm are the most important qualities sought in potential scholars. Although potential scholars ideally will have had some previous choral experience and have some sight-singing skills, these are not essential, and tuition will be provided to develop these skills for less experienced singers.

The funding for the Choral Scholarships has been pledged by the Galway University Foundation. The value of the scholarships will be €200 per student per annum, similar to the Scholars’ Prizes which are awarded annually to students who distinguish themselves academically in examinations of the previous year. Scholarships will be awarded at a special ceremony in February 2028 for participants who have fulfilled the requirements of the Choral Scholarship scheme in the 2026/2027 academic year.

The University Choral Scholars’ programme is based around two six-week modules, during which rehearsals and training take place every Tuesday and Thursday evening from 7-9pm. The Tuesday attendances will be focused mostly on musicianship, with an emphasis on aural and sightreading training, and learning the repertoire for the semester. On Thursdays the Collegiate Choral Scholars will also attend, and the final three Thursdays of each module will include an earlier start (6.30pm) and the singing of the ancient and beautiful medieval service of Compline at 8pm. At the conclusion of the first semester, the choral scholars also sing at the church’s famous carol service, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols. All rehearsals and services take place in St Nicholas’ Collegiate Church. The schedule for the first semester is set out below.

Places in the choir will be awarded upon audition. Auditions are to take place on Monday, 21st September and on Tuesday 22nd September 2026. You must email music@universityofgalway.ie by Monday 14th September if you are interested in taking part.