Samling and Song is a unique residency programme that supports early-career singers and pianists in the creation and performance of art song programmes for new audiences.
In partnership with The Hugo Burge Foundation, we are offering two residencies annually in accommodation on Marchmont Estate in the Scottish Borders. Each singer/pianist duo will work with a mentor who will help to craft and direct the project and be given advice and practical support to promote the programme to venues.
Each artist will be awarded a generous bursary towards the development costs of their programme and a stipend to cover the cost of travel and subsistence for the residency week.
We are looking for creative and well-crafted applications that demonstrate how the residency opportunity will enhance the artistic development of the participants and fulfil our aim for the project by reaching new audiences. This could be, for instance, taking work into new venues or unusual performance spaces where art-song is not usually performed or to parts of the UK that are under-served by live classical music or by reaching people who would not normally attend art-song concerts. Your proposal might include new music, or music by composers from under-represented groups.
Above all, you must be prepared to be challenged, work collaboratively and be open to new ideas.
Eligibility
- Both applicants must be Samling Artists, including one who has completed the programme within the last ten years.
- We will accept up to a maximum of one application per singer and three from pianists.
- The repertoire of the programme must be at least 80% art song.
- Previous recipients of Samling and Song bursaries must wait three years from the date of their residency before reapplying.
Award details
Two selected duos will receive:
- A £1,500 bursary each along with a stipend of £500 each to fund the cost of travel and subsistence during the residency week.
- A mentor/director will be assigned for each project but will not be present during the residency at Marchmont Estate. Meetings will take place in person and remotely,
- A week in self-catering accommodation for two people on Marchmont Estate, to be taken at a time agreed between the participants and The Hugo Burge Foundation and within a year of the award being made.
- A piano in your accommodation
- Access to the music room at Marchmont House. However, this is subject to availability and at times agreed with the house in advance, therefore it should not be an integral part of your proposal.
- Advice and support with promoting the programme and pitching to venues.
Applications for 2025/26 have now closed. We will contact all eligible Samling Artists when the next round opens.
