Be a part of New Zealand's finest early music choral group.

The Tudor Consort sets the standard for early choral music: an innovative approach to repertoire selection and interpretation, accuracy of presentation through historical reconstruction, and an emphasis on choral excellence through superb balance, blend and vocal technique.

Formed in February 1986 with the intention of performing lesser known music from the Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque periods, with particular emphasis on English music of the 16th and early 17th centuries, the group's directors have included founder Simon Ravens and leading New Zealand musicians Professor Peter Walls, Ivan Patterson and Alastair Carey; the group's current director is Michael Stewart.

The choir enjoys an enviable international reputation in addition to its critically-acclaimed New Zealand performances. The choir is a NAXOS recording artist and has won multiple awards internationally.

A flexible project-based schedule makes it easy for you to be involved.

When you audition for The Tudor Consort, you're really auditioning for the choir's pool. The performing choir is hand-picked by the Cantor from this pool of auditioned singers. The pool numbers about 40; the performing choir rarely exceeds 24.

Members of The Tudor ConsortThe choir runs six projects a year. Once in the pool, you put your name forward for those projects that interest you. If the Cantor feels your voice type and experience would be a good match for those projects, you'll be invited to rotate into the performing group for those projects. Only rarely do singers audition for the pool and get invited into the performing choir immediately; there is usually a delay of several months before new pool members get the opportunity to participate in a project.

Project-based singing maximises flexibility. You're under no compulsion to sing every concert; you simply rotate back to the pool when a project comes up that you can't commit to. You can pick and choose the programmes you want to be involved in.

Singers in the pool are welcome to participate in or observe any rehearsals and workshops, and pool members are generally able to attend the choir's concerts free of charge.

Singers who remain in the pool for twelve months without participating in any projects are invited to retire from the pool. In order to return to the pool, retired singers must go through the auditioning process again.

Join a team environment that fosters success and recognises your skills.

The Tudor Consort realises that its ability to succeed is only as strong as its members desire to achieve. The choir encourages team work, artistic excellence and, above all, tries to teach that individual effort of each singer really does make a difference. Every member of the performing choir is expected to actively contribute to the best of their ability, not ride on the coat-tails of others. The group's management focuses on coaching and fostering each singer's desire to self-improve and strive for excellence.

The Tudor Consort realises that your skills are special. While the choir is not able to pay you for each project it does actively seek to minimise your expenses and provide the best possible environment it can so you can achieve your artistic goals.

Members of The Tudor ConsortThere are absolutely no subscription fees and there are no hidden "photocopying costs" or similar "choral taxes".

Essential choral equipment - such as your music, your music stand, and your choral stationery (pencils, etc.) - is provided free of charge. Expenses relating to performance dress may also be reimbursed.

A weekly email newsletter keeps you in touch with the team and helps you keep on top of rehearsal commitments, project-specific resources, sample recordings, and related events.

The choir rehearses only in high-quality venues. Complimentary food and drink is provided during long rehearsals and workshops.

Team members are encouraged to get to know each other and there are frequent opportunities to socialise including after-rehearsal drinks and after-project parties.

The Cantor takes an active approach to team-building, goal setting and your own individual self-development.

Out-of-rehearsal "clinic" sessions provide opportunities for one-on-one feedback sessions with the Cantor or for simply catching up on notes missed during rehearsal.

The performing choir rehearses each Tuesday evening during school term time. "Clinic" sessions, when available, typically take place on Sunday afternoons.

The least stressful choral audition you'll ever experience!

Your audition is a relaxed, informal affair consisting mainly of a conversation between you and Musical Director Michael Stewart about your choral experience, vocal training history and personal self-development goals. The Cantor can also answer any questions you may have about The Tudor Consort. He'll probably also gently quiz you to try and gauge your understanding of vocal technique and judge the quality of your vocal training.

Once that's done, the Cantor will guide you through some simple vocal exercises. He may also set you some sight-reading.

There is no need to prepare a piece, but you are welcome to do so if you feel this is advantageous to you. If so, an unaccompanied piece is recommended.

Generally, feedback about your audition is given on-the-spot. Detailed feedback, if necessary, follows via email. The Cantor is often able to highlight opportunities for vocal development and help you set new vocal training goals.

The complete audition process takes between 45 and 60 minutes.

Auditions for the choir are open February through November. Singers of all skill levels are encouraged to audition.

To audition for The Tudor Consort, contact feedback@tudor-consort.org.nz.

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