Now in its second year, Early Music Live is an apprenticeship scheme combining performance opportunities with a training and workshop programme, including sessions to equip musicians to deal effectively with promoters.The festival will provide a fee of £350 per person (inc. travel) per musician for any ensemble selected for Early Music Live!

In return, you will be expected to:

• attend at least 2 workshop and training sessions in London in late September and early October 2007 (these are likely to be Sundays in late September)
• perform in an informal venue (generally a pub or arts centre with a world music/jazz following) during the festival (participants will perform on one of the following dates: Thursday, 23 rd October, Wednesday, 29 th October, Thursday, 30 th October, Thursday, 6 th November)
• deliver a day’s education and community work in Brighton in October (for which you will receive support and training).

Up to 10 ensembles with an early music specialism (from medieval to classical) will be selected for the scheme from 4 days of auditions at TCM, RAM, RCM and the Guildhall.

You will need to demonstrate that your ensemble is fully formed and has undertaken at least 2 public performances together. The festival is looking for instrumentalists and singers who are good musical and verbal communicators. You will also be open to exploring new approaches and collaborations with musicians from other genres. In 2008, the focus of some of the practical workshops is to explore opportunities for crossover between folk and early music traditions within Britain and Ireland Ensembles who are interested in this aspect will be given training in working with folk musicians and, where appropriate, to develop a new piece for performance in their festival concert.

The festival will advise on effectively engaging with promoters including producing promotional materials which have impact. We plan to create press and/or radio opportunities for participating ensembles and will support you in preparing for interviews, where relevant.

Click here to find out how to audition

Brighton Early Music Festival is grateful to The Foyle Foundation, The Fenton Arts Trust and The Angus Allnatt Charitable Foundation, who are funding the 2008 Early Music Live scheme.