CIARA Reed (Soprano), Thomas Coyle (Tenor), and Charles Murray (Bass) have been appointed as Ilkley Choral Society’s first ever choral scholars, after the programme to support budding young professional singers was launched earlier this year. They will be aiding the choir in their rehearsals and concerts throughout the year.

Ciara Reed recently graduated from the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire with an undergraduate and master’s degree in vocal performance, before moving to Yorkshire to work as a professional soprano. Ciara now sings as a Soprano Choral Scholar at Leeds Cathedral. She has enjoyed recent performances as a soprano soloist singing the Messiah, Rutter’s Requiem and Faure’s Requiem. Teaching also plays a big part in Ciara’s musical life. She currently tutors private students on a one-to-one basis for those that wish to sing for fun and those preparing for auditions and exams.

Charles Murray also recently finished his studies at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, graduating his masters with distinction. His first degree was from the University of Huddersfield where he graduated with a first-class honour’s degree in music, majoring in performance. During his time in Yorkshire, he held the position of bass choral scholar at Bradford Cathedral for 2 years. In February 2020, Charles undertook the role of Don Giovanni in Leeds Youth Opera’s production of the Mozart opera and was awarded the 2021 LeedsCAN Guild award for best leading male. Charles’ most recent highlight has been singing with Waterperry Opera Festival as one of their Young Artists in their production of Le Nozze Di Figaro.

Born and raised in Liverpool, lyric tenor Tom Coyle is about to complete a Bachelors of Music at the Royal Northern College of Music where he has studied under Paul Nilon. Tom has performed across England as a soloist and choir member, with particularly fond memories of performing and recording Vaughan William’s Sea Symphony with the Royal Philharmonic Liverpool Choir. He has worked on stage with the RNCM Opera department, performing the roles of Jaquino (Beethoven’s Fidelio) and Dr Cajus (Verdi’s Falstaff) in Opera Scene performances, and has been a chorus member for RNCM’s productions of The Cunning Little Vixen and Die Fledermaus.

Ilkley Choral Society are very much looking forward to working with these talented young singers, and experiencing the expertise, knowledge and leadership that they will bring to the choir. The Messiah will be their first concert singing with the choir, which takes place at 7pm on the 17th December at St Margaret’s Church in Ilkley.

The choir is holding an Open Rehearsal on Monday, January 9, 7.30-9.30pm at Christchurch in Ilkley, for anyone who may be interested in joining.