The Congregation of the Oratory was founded by St Philip Neri in Rome during the sixteenth century. The Oratory was established in England in 1848 by St John Henry Newman in Birmingham. In 2013, the Fathers of the Oxford Oratory were invited by the Bishop of Middlesbrough to establish a new community at St Wilfrid’s Church in York.
The York Oratory maintains the tradition of excellence in liturgical music, and to this end we are seeking to appoint four singers (SATB) to provide a vocal quartet for the 12 noon Mass on Sundays, Vespers and Benediction during the seasons of Advent and Lent, the Sacred Triduum and mid-week holy days throughout the year.
These posts are suitable for experienced singers with excellent sight-reading ability, who are used to working as the sole contributor to a voice part.
The usual weekly commitment is as follows:
Sunday: 10:15 rehearsal.
12:00 Sung Latin Mass
16:00In Advent and Lent only Latin Vespers & Benediction, preceded by a rehearsal.
For holy days, the usual commitment is:
4.30pm rehearsal
6pm Mass.
The repertoire ranges from Gregorian chant, through polyphony and the Viennese School, to the early 20th Century. These positions are open to non-Catholics, but a respect for Catholic teaching and tradition is essential.
Following the appointment of a new Director of Music, the Oratory is embarking on a music strategy to secure and develop liturgical music at the Oratory. Therefore, these appointments will be reviewed after the period of one year with the possibility of renewal.
The salary for each singer will be in the order of £4,100 plus additional professional fees.
Applications, which include a cover letter, curriculum vitæ, and the names and contact details of two referees, should be sent via e-mail to the Director of Music, Mr Samuel Austin, at music@yorkoratory.com. The deadline for applications is Friday 8th September 2023, with the start date for successful candidates being Sunday 1st October.
Please do not send audio samples. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview and audition and all appointments will be subject to an enhanced DBS check.
Samuel Austin, Director of Music
