Updates

The latest thoughts & news from those within the Aberdeen music scene.

Musical Director / Conductor – Stonehaven Chorus

26 August 2025

Location: Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire
Application Deadline: Friday 19th September
Start Date: January 2026 

The Stonehaven Chorus is seeking an enthusiastic and inspiring Musical Director / Conductor to lead our vibrant and friendly community choir into its next exciting chapter. 

We are a well-established, mixed-voice choral society of 50-60 members, based in the beautiful coastal town of Stonehaven. Our repertoire spans a wide range of classical and contemporary choral works, and we typically present two major concerts each year, as well as smaller performances and community events. 

The Role 

We are looking for a passionate and skilled musician who can: 

  • Lead weekly rehearsals (currently Monday evenings) during term time
  • Prepare and conduct concerts with professionalism and creativity
  • Work collaboratively with our accompanist and committee
  • Inspire singers of all abilities to develop musically and enjoy the choral experience
  • Contribute to the musical planning and repertoire selection We Offer
  • A committed and welcoming choir with a strong sense of community
  • A supportive and proactive committee
  • A competitive fee per rehearsal and concert (negotiable based on experience) About You 

You will ideally have: 

  • Experience directing choirs or vocal ensembles
  • A solid understanding of choral technique and voice development
  • Excellent communication and organisational skills
  • A warm and engaging personality that brings out the best in singers
  • A vision for developing and sustaining the musical life of the chorus 

 

How to Apply 

To apply, please send: 

  • A cover letter outlining your experience and musical approach
  • A CV detailing relevant qualifications and conducting experience
  • (Optional) Links to recent performances or rehearsals if available 

Email your application to: secretary@stonehavenchorus.co.uk 

Deadline: Friday 19th September 

Interviews and auditions will be held in October 

For more information about the Stonehaven Chorus, please visit: www.stonehavenchorus.co.uk

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Vocal Moves seeks new musical director

8 August 2025

Vocal Moves is a community choir that meets on Tuesdays, 1-3pm, in the hall at Fountainhall at the Stocket (formerly Midstocket Church). The choir is open to anyone over 50 with no audition and no requirement to be able to read music. We currently have a membership of 64 people and a waiting list of others who'd like to join. We have two main concerts a year - one at the end of June and the other at Christmas - and the occasional invite to perform elsewhere in between. We have a mixed repertoire, ranging from traditional Scottish songs and songs from musicals through to Abba, Westlife and Andrew Lloyd Weber. We sing a mixture of songs in two or three part harmony and those in unison.

The choir is run by a musical director, assisted by an accompanist, both of whom receive remuneration for their time. (Currently £25/hour.) Our accompanist is the extremely talented Eileen Pike but we are seeking a new musical director as our current director, Euan Wilson, is moving on to concentrate on his musical studies elsewhere.

If anyone is interested in this post, we'd love to hear from them. We can be contacted through this email address: vocalmovesaberdeen@gmail.com

---------------
Sent by: Aenea Reid
(on behalf of Vocal Moves Committee)

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Vacancy for Musical Director based at Haddo House, Tarves, Aberdeenshire

7 August 2025

Haddo House Choral & Operatic Society (HHCOS), a long established choir in the North East of Scotland, is requiring the services of a new Musical Director. We are a non-auditioned choir of approximately 60 members of mixed ability that typically produces two concerts a year, with either piano/organ accompaniment or full orchestra, along with a number of carol concerts, all to very high performance standards. We have also produced many operas in the past. We rehearse once a week during term time in our purpose built rehearsal space at Haddo House Peatyards in Aberdeenshire. 

We are looking for an experienced and enthusiastic Musical Director with a passion for choral work and opera, who has the drive to continue to take our musical programmes forward with an ever-respectful eye to the strong traditions HHCOS has built up over the years. The successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to uphold high musical standards and curate engaging, imaginative concert programmes and events that attract new audiences and help grow our membership.

They should be skilled in guiding singers in vocal technique and musical interpretation, able to challenge and inspire experienced singers while also supporting and encouraging less experienced members. Applications should be submitted electronically to our Secretary, Sue Willing, at secretary@hhcos.org.uk. The closing date for applications is Sunday 28th September. Selected applicants will be offered an interview to be held at Haddo during the following 2 weeks.

For more information visit our website https://hhcos.org.uk/

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Tall Ships Intergenerational Choir

30 June 2025

An exciting brand new project created by Claire Abbott and Alec Thompson-Miller to help celebrate the #tallshipsaberdeen next month, and bringing people of all ages together through song!! Thank-you so much to the #tallshipsaberdeen team for giving us their blessing to use their name .

Therefore,  we’re thrilled to announce The ACE Voices and Ferryhill Community Centre Tall Ships Intergenerational Choir! 

Together we are launching a unique choir that brings together voices from all generations to celebrate the arrival of the Tall Ships in spectacular style! 

Join us for an informal and friendly Information Evening:

 Wednesday 25th June 4:00 – 6:00 PM  Ferryhill Community Centre

 Come along to find out how you can be part of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!

Rehearsals:  Ferryhill Community Centre

 Sunday 6th July | 2:00 – 5:00 PM

 Sunday 13th July | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

 Wednesday the 16th of July | 4:00 - 7:00 PM

Performances:

18th July & 21st July – during the majestic Tall Ships visit! Venues to be revealed! 

Whether you're 9 or 90, this is your chance to raise your voice, meet new people, and be part of something truly unforgettable. 

Register here https://forms.gle/BezQNTu2B7mZCYY36

Paper copies can also be found at Ferryhill Community Centre to fill in too.

#ACEVoices #TallShips2025 #CommunityChoir #IntergenerationalMagic #SingTogether #FerryhillCommunity #OnceInALifetime

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Save Aberdeen Arts Centre

19 May 2025

Aberdeen Arts Centre has today (Monday, May 19) launched an urgent appeal to arts and theatre lovers to keep the spotlight shining on the beloved city centre venue.

The centre has raised the curtain on its ‘Save Aberdeen Arts Centre’ campaign – a three-year, £660,000 fundraising drive to support its operations. For more information, visit www.aberdeenartscentre.com and to donate, visit https://justgiving.com/campaign/saveaberdeenartscentre.

The campaign has already received backing from a host of famous faces including actors Laura Main, Amy Lennox and Brian Cox; Hollywood director Jon S Baird; magician Barry Jones; and virtuoso percussionist Dame Evelyn Glennie.

The six-figure total will cover core running costs over the next three years as the venue implements a new strategy to keep the vital creative and community venue open for future generations.

The organisation has set an initial target of raising £180,000 by July 1, 2025.

Eve Nicol, programming and creative director, said: “Everywhere I go in Aberdeen, I meet so many people whose lives have been touched by Aberdeen Arts Centre – by the shows on our stage, by the opportunities to learn and perform, by the life skills they have gained. That so many people across the city have been influenced by their experiences here shows just how vital a resource Aberdeen Arts Centre is for Aberdeen and the wider north east region. The outpouring of love and support we have had already has been deeply moving but now we must take action to secure the centre’s future. If the majority of our audience members from last year donated £11.25 each we’ll meet our initial July 1 deadline. A personal gift from those who know and feel the value of grassroots arts in their life will go a long way to secure its continuation in the city.”

Aberdeen Arts Centre is home to over 35 local performing and community groups that make use of the venue every year. In addition, the centre’s Creative Learning and Artist Development programmes support those engaging in the arts at all levels, from beginners of all ages to local professionals furthering their craft.

Those interested in supporting the venue can attend an open public meeting at Aberdeen Arts Centre on Tuesday, May 27 at 6.30pm. Register your interest here: https://www.aberdeenartscentre.com/whats-on/save-aberdeen-arts-centre-open-public-meeting

Chair of Aberdeen Arts Centre’s board of trustees, Sharon Robertson commented: “Since its inception, Aberdeen Arts Centre has been a creative lifeline for local performers, artists and audiences alike. Through donations and subsidies, we’ve kept our venue accessible, ensuring the arts remain a vibrant part of our city. But today, we need your support more than ever. The cost of running the centre has surged in recent years, creating a critical funding gap. We’ve recognised the need to diversify our income streams and are actively implementing a sustainable financial strategy to secure our future. However, as we work to establish this plan, we’ve had to temporarily rely on our reserves – something common in the arts sector but which unfortunately affects our eligibility for certain funding. Here’s where we need the community help: to safeguard Aberdeen Arts Centre and keep it thriving for generations to come, we urgently need to raise £180,000 by July 1. Restoring our reserves before this crucial deadline ensures we can present a strong case for reinstating our funding when councillors debate the issue. There is then a choice for the elected members to make: allocate funds to the Arts Centre from contingencies – this is within their gift to do. Every contribution, big or small, helps protect this space for the local creative community. Your support keeps artists on stage, ideas alive, and culture thriving. Join us – because together, we can secure the future of Aberdeen Arts Centre.”

This is not the first time Aberdeen Arts Centre has faced hardship. In 1998, Annie Inglis gathered 14,500 signatures to save the centre from closure.

Eve added: “The opportunity to perform or express yourself creatively can be a lifeline for people of all ages, for so many different reasons. That’s why we are so passionate about supporting grassroots performance. It’s not just about the joy of stepping on stage; it’s also about the skills you learn for life, including teamwork, resilience and self-confidence. Appearing on our stage sets up so many young people for life, whether they choose to pursue the arts or another career. Without major support, we risk losing that vital resource here in Aberdeen. Many of the companies that use the centre have casts of over 200 eager local performers. When these groups are in, the building comes alive with the buzz and excitement of performance. There are no other venues in Aberdeen that can accommodate groups of this size for an affordable price. Without Aberdeen Arts Centre, the north east of Scotland would see its creative life greatly diminish.”

Aberdeen Arts Centre is an independent arts venue and registered charity in the heart of Aberdeen. For over 60 years, it has played a crucial role in the north east’s vibrant arts scene through its programme of performances, Creative Learning Programme for children and adults, and an Artist Development Programme to support local professional creatives.

The venue encompasses a 350-seater auditorium; café bar; flexible spaces for performances, events, exhibitions and meetings; and the Children’s Theatre, opened by Catherine Hollingworth in the 1950s as a pioneering youth theatre (the first of its kind in the UK) and now used as a vital resource for professional artist development.

For more information, visit www.aberdeenartscentre.com or follow Aberdeen Arts Centre on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube at @AberdeenArtsCentre.

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