Northern Chords Festival launches mentorship programme

The Northern Chords Festival, a music festival bringing chamber music to audiences in the North East of England, has launched a Mentorship Programme, designed to supported talented musicians as they enter the profession.

The scheme will support four musicians specialising in voice, piano, composition and violin. Successful candidates will take part in online sessions with their mentors as well as with guests including saxophonist Jess Gillam and BBC New Generation Artist Elena Urioste.

Festival founder Jonathan Bloxham, who will lead the scheme, said: ‘Nurturing a new generation of talented musicians, many of whom may have missed out on opportunities recently, is essential for the healthy survival of classical music. This is a unique opportunity to work closely with world-leading artists, and our hope is to provide holistic guidance to people who might not otherwise have the access or financial resources.’

This year’s mentors are Royal College of Music professor of singing Ben Johnson, violinist Hyeyoon Park, BBC Young Musician winner, pianist Martin James Bartlett and composer Grace-Evangeline Mason.

Founded in 2009, the Northern Chords Festival brings chamber music to a variety of venues in the North East of England with the aim of inspiring local people and amateur musicians to develop their own musical talents as well as enthusing local audiences with concerts, programmes, and musicians which wouldn’t usually be found in the area.

Applications are invited from musicians from all backgrounds and ages who are pursuing a career in performance. The scheme will culminate in a collaborative programme of participants’ performances at this year’s Northern Chords Festival in May.

Applications for the scheme can be made via the Northern Chords Festival website and will close at midnight on 21st February 2022. There is no cost to apply or take part in the scheme.