Dame Sarah Connolly and Mark Padmore have been named Ambassadors for The Monteverdi Apprentices by the Monteverdi Choir & Orchestras.

“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,” Connolly noted per an official press release.

Padmore added, “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.”

The program is now entering its 18th year and has recently announced nine new apprentices.

The apprentices include sopranos Milly Atkinson and Áine Smith; mezzo-sopranos Lowri Bufton, Elizabeth Nurse, and Emma van der Scheer; countertenor Matthew Monaghan; tenor Sam Madden; baritone Allyn Wu; and bass-baritone Will Harmer. The participants will engage in a number of workshops and masterclasses aimed at exploring historically-inspired performance practices. Each apprentice will be matched up with a Monteverdi Choir & Orchestra member who will be their mentor throughout the experience. They will then get performance opportunities, including a concert with the Monteverdi Choir and Orchestras in the U.K. and worldwide.

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