28 May 2025
Sarah Connolly © Andrew Crowley and Mark Padmore © Marco Borggreve
The Monteverdi Choir & Orchestras is delighted to announce that internationally acclaimed soloists Dame Sarah Connolly and Mark Padmore have become Ambassadors for the Monteverdi Apprentices Programme. The announcement of their new roles coincides with the unveiling of nine exceptional young singers for the 2025/26 season, following a record number of applications.
Both Sarah and Mark have a long association with the Monteverdi Choir and have often joined the line-up in performances and recordings. Each shares the Monteverdi Choir’s deep commitment to nurturing the next generation of vocal talent. Each brings a wealth of experience, a passion for ensemble singing and a profound understanding of vocal artistry, stylistic versatility and the demands of a modern singing career. As inspirational role models and experienced mentors, they will offer invaluable guidance to the Apprentices, drawing on their wide-ranging professional insight.
Now in its 18th year, the Monteverdi Apprentices Programme bridges the gap between formal education and a professional freelance music career, providing a comprehensive platform for emerging artists to thrive under the guidance of some of the most respected musicians in the field.
Details of the 2025/26 Monteverdi Apprentices are available HERE.
Each Apprentice will be supported by mentors from the Monteverdi ensembles and receive one-to-one guidance throughout the year. Apprentices take part in paid performances with the Monteverdi Choir, English Baroque Soloists and the Orchestre Révolutionnaire et Romantique, as well as workshops, coaching, and overseas tours.
Dame Sarah Connolly said “I know from personal experience how daunting the leap from education to the professional world can be. This scheme lays vital foundations – not just artistically, but emotionally and practically – for a life in music. It offers young singers a rare opportunity to grow within a world-class ensemble, while being supported as individuals. I’m honoured to help guide and champion the next generation of vocal talent.”
Mark Padmore said: “What makes this programme so powerful is the way it places young singers at the heart of the music-making – not on the sidelines, but as valued contributors. That kind of trust and responsibility is transformative. Being part of a world-class ensemble like this at the start of a career is something I would have treasured. I'm delighted to be involved.”
Rosa Solinas, General Director of the Monteverdi Choir & Orchestras, said: “We are proud to welcome these extraordinarily talented young singers to the Monteverdi family. The Apprentices Programme has shaped the early careers of over 90 singers to date, many of whom now perform on major stages around the world. With the guidance of Sarah and Mark and the mentorship of our established singers, we are excited to help this new group grow into the artists they are destined to become.”
