This is the second season in which the Society has offered choral scholarships to student majoring in voice at a local university. The scheme offers the chosen students a chance to participate in all rehearsals and concerts and aims to also provide platform opportunities as soloists.

One such event took place at the end of February by setting aside some rehearsal time to stage an informal concert to hear them as soloists. The free concert had an audience made up of choir members, family and friends, Society patrons, and members of the Minster congregation. The scholars featured were Alexandra Lee – soprano, Isabella Shea – soprano and Davina Halford-MacLeod – mezzo soprano. Unfortunately Anna Forbes, one of our current scholars could not take part because of illness. All of their self-chosen pieces were accompanied by David Murray, our Musical Director, and were received with enthusiasm by the audience, who went home impressed by their performances.