APPLICATIONS FOR AUDITIONS NOW OPEN
Purcell’s Lament
Applications are now open for soprano and baritone soloists for Purcell’s Lament, a performance based in Bath this July. The project is led by stage director Ben Mills, conductor Sarah Latto and writer Stewart Harcourt, in collaboration with Bath-based chamber choir Paragon Singers.
‘Purcell’s Lament’ is an original piece of concert theatre commissioned by Paragon Singers as part of its 50th anniversary of performing baroque and modern choral music in the city of Bath. The piece dramatises the funeral of 17th century British composer Henry Purcell, and tells the story of his life and musical influence through his music; ranging from his pieces for the court and Westminster Abbey, to his arias and bawdy tavern songs.
The full script with links to music can be found here, or email purcellslament@gmail.com for more information.
We are looking for singers who:
Are confident soloists who have their own unique voice to bring to the production and the roles of Henry and Frances Purcell
Are excited by the concept of the project from a music and/or theatre perspective
Have experience in stagecraft, acting and movement
The music is predominantly arias and choruses by Henry Purcell, along with a few newly written rearrangements of his work. The creative team would expect soloists to be classically trained, but potentially open minded and versatile with other styles.
DATES
June 23rd: 10:30-17:30
June 24th: 10:30-17:30
June 29th: 12:30-21:30 (Bath)
July 4th: 10:30-17:30 (Bath)
July 6th: 12:30-21:30 (Bath)
July 9th: 10:30-17:30 (Bath)
July 10th: Technical rehearsal (full day)
July 11th: Dress rehearsal and performance (full day)
FEE: £2,380 project fee (inclusive of travel expenses)
Equal Opportunities: We are committed to working towards a more diverse cultural sector. Our recruitment process is open to all, but we are particularly keen to hear from candidates who identify as from the global majority, disabled and/or working class, as these groups are currently underrepresented in our organisation.
HOW TO APPLY:
To apply for the position please email a CV and headshot to purcellslament@gmail.com, alongside a short paragraph about why the project interests you.
DEADLINE: 9am, Monday 9th March 2026
AUDITIONS:
Auditions will be held in Bath on Tuesday 17th March and central London on Wednesday 18th March. Please prepare an aria by Henry Purcell. An accompanist will be provided.
About Ben Mills
Ben has created and presented work at some of the biggest creative organisations in the UK, including the National Theatre, Young Vic, British Film Institute, BBC Big Screens, Young Vic, Channel 4 and the Roundhouse. His work in opera includes directing revivals of La bohème and Boris Godunov for the Royal Opera, and as Staff Director at English National Opera and Garsington Opera.
About Sarah Latto
Described as “a brilliant and innovative conductor” (The Arts Desk), Sarah Latto has directed some of the UK’s finest ensembles, including BBC Singers and Ex Cathedra. She is artistic director of Echo Vocal Ensemble, a critically acclaimed group who have performed at Sadlers Wells, the Wigmore Hall and live on BBC Radio 3. Under her direction, the group has become known for its cross-genre collaborations, including with poet Roger McGough, artist Polly Apfelbaum, composer James MacMillan, and the London Philharmonic Orchestra. Echo's debut album 'Innocence' was nominated for "Best Newcomer' at the 2025 BBC Music Magazine awards, and was described by Gramophone as “crafted with skill, flair, understanding, and passion...brilliantly conceived and executed”.
About Stewart Harcourt
Screenwriter and Executive Producer of over 100 hours of television drama, Stewart’s credits include Murder On The Orient Express with David Suchet, Churchill’s Secret with Michael Gambon, and Maigret with Rowan Atkinson. His play The Wheelchair was premiered at The Other Place by the RSC, and his film The Physician II was premiered in Berlin in December.