We award annual grants to student opera singers on post-graduate courses at one of the major UK academies.

We also award throughout the year grants to musicians who are in full-time education or are training formerly.

Opera Singers

If you are a student opera singer on a post-graduate course at one of the major UK academies, you may wish to apply for the annual Simon Fletcher Charitable Trust awards.

These are held annually, with auditions usually taking place on a Saturday shortly after Easter, at rehearsal studios in North London.  Notice is sent out to the main academies approximately two months before Easter, informing  student administrators of the deadline for applications.  Notices are then posted on college notice boards informing students how they can download application forms from this website.

Those not studying at an academy who feel they may still be eligible are advised to keep checking the website for the application form which is posted approximately two months before Easter.

From the many applications received a shortlist of five to eight singers is chosen.  They are invited to attend an audition, with each applicant asked to present a short programme followed by a brief interview. The audition panel looks both for both artistic potential and financial need.  Following the auditions, the Trust aims to make an award of £1,500 to the singer it deems most worthy, with one or two more smaller awards if funds allow.

Musicians

Throughout the year, the Trust  makes occasional grants mainly to instrumental musicians who write in asking for financial assistance.

To qualify for an award you need to be in full-time education or be training formerly.

If you are interested in applying, please email info@simonfletcher.org.uk Please include details of your education, the instrument you are studying and your reasons for requesting financial assistance.

The Trust also tries to keep in touch with all those who have been given awards or grants in order to watch their progress as they continue their studies and build their careers.

As a condition of receiving such help from the Trust, awardees are asked to perform at the annual Trust soiree, usually held in the autumn.  In this way, we are able to show our supporters where their money has gone as well as giving awardees an opportunity to showcase their talents.  The soiree is always a most enjoyable evening, both for performers and for the audience.