CEFC Young Conductors Mentoring Scheme and Workshops
Crouch End Festival Chorus has marked another milestone in its drive to nurture the next generation of choral leaders, with a packed Young Conductors Workshop building on the success of its established Young Conductors Mentoring Scheme (YCMS).
Scheme enters sixth year
Launched in 2019, the Young Conductors Mentoring Scheme offers two talented musicians each year, aged 18–35, the chance to immerse themselves in the life of one of the country’s leading symphonic choirs.
Mentees receive twice‑monthly mentoring sessions with Music Director David Temple MBE, opportunities to conduct the choir in rehearsal, and meetings with members of the administrative team to understand how a large, volunteer‑led chorus is run.
Since 2023, the scheme has been complemented by an annual Choral Conducting Workshop, giving both current mentees and additional guest conductors concentrated podium time with the choir.
The combined programme is designed to develop technique, rehearsal skills and wider musical leadership, while also providing guidance on the governance and management of a modern symphonic chorus.
Beethoven with Nat Morley
This year’s workshop, held on 14 February, opened with an intensive morning session for current mentee Nathaniel (Nat) Morley. Working with David Temple, accompanist Peter Jaekel and a small chorus from CEFC, Morley explored Beethoven’s Mass in C, receiving detailed feedback on gesture, preparation and communication with singers.
Reflecting on the experience, Nat said:
"Last Saturday I took part in the CEFC Young Conductors Workshop alongside five other young conductors. It was a brilliant and extremely valuable opportunity to receive detailed feedback on my conducting, and connect with other passionate emerging conductors. I’m hugely grateful to the choir for their time and to David for his expertise and guidance."
Five new batons to the podium
Five guest young conductors – Richard Fu, Cameron Davies, Matthew Lloyd‑Wilson, Emily Monk and Charlotte Galloway – joined David Temple to work on Vaughan Williams’ Dona nobis pacem, each taking the choir for around 30 minutes.
The atmosphere was described as both exacting and supportive, with participants praising the combination of high musical standards and constructive coaching.
Cameron Davies said:
“The Young Conductors Workshop is a fantastic opportunity for anyone looking to develop their craft - with an encouraging and experienced choir, a range of interesting pieces, and compassionate, fine-tuned coaching, it is a great way to continue your journey in this art form in a nurturing and professional environment.”
Charlotte Galloway highlighted the welcome from the singers:
“It was a joy to take part in the CEFC Young conductor workshop day. Naturally, I was very nervous when I arrived but was immediately put at ease on meeting the choir, they are a super friendly bunch and make an epic sound. I am very grateful that I got to work with such a great choir, to spend time analysing my own practice and to learn from David Temple. It has motivated me to keep learning and sharing the joy of music.”
Richard Fu spoke of the warmth offered by David Temple and chorus members:
"I was very grateful for the warmth, generosity, and support of David Temple and chorus members of CEFC throughout this workshop. It gave me a glimpse into how much I could learn from David and CEFC and made me want to repeat and further this experience!”.
Emily Monk praised the experience:
"Being mentored by David Temple in the CEFC Young Conductors’ workshop was an incredibly rewarding experience. The choir was thoroughly adaptable, enthusiastic and willing to respond attentively to all the ideas suggested. David’s coaching was also superb; it felt exciting to be challenged musically, and I learned a great deal from him. Overall, I feel very lucky to have worked with David and the choir, especially since many young conductors are often overlooked."
For Matthew Lloyd‑Wilson, he explained what an opportunity it was for young conductors:
“A kind, supportive environment to explore choral repertoire under expect guidance. The choir was, without exception, flexible, magical and mellifluous. I could not recommend it more highly.
David Temple on the Workshop
David Temple, who has led Crouch End Festival Chorus for over four decades, said the workshops allow him to combine his twin vocations.
“Before I became a conductor, I was a teacher - so it is hugely rewarding to be able to combine my two passions and work with young conductors. What I try to do is to urge them to be as prepared as they can be, but also to be instinctive and to respond quickly to what they hear and to get the very best out of the music and the performers.”
he explained, emphasising the importance of rigorous preparation alongside the ability to respond instinctively to what is heard in the rehearsal room.
He added that the learning is two‑way:
“I also try to learn from them so that I too can improve.”
The CEFC choir also enjoy these workshops and readily volunteer their time. They are keen to support the development of talented young conductors, and they also benefit from gaining insight into the nuances of choral conducting and the pieces of music selected from David Temple’s great experience and knowledge.
Alumni success and next applications
The impact of the mentoring scheme is already visible in the wider choral world. Among the eight conductors who have so far completed the programme are Mariana Rosas, now Chorus Director of the London Symphony Chorus, and Matthew Quinn, Chorus Director of English National Opera. Find out more about our alumni.
Applications for the next edition of the Young Conductors Mentoring Scheme, running from September 2026 to July 2027, open on 24 February, when full details will be available on the CEFC website. For more information about this scheme, see the details for the 2025/6 scheme.
Prospective applicants can watch a short film about the programme.
