Share the Stage: The Dream of Gerontius
Want to perform on the world-famous main stage at The Glasshouse International Centre for Music? Imagine singing or playing alongside some of the North East’s most dazzling musicians.
On Sunday 8 November 2026, Royal Northern Sinfonia, Chorus of Royal Northern Sinfonia and Voices of the River’s Edge will be performing Edward Elgar’s choral masterpiece The Dream of Gerontius in Sage One. You could be too.
We’re bringing together musicians from every corner of our region to stand shoulder-to shoulder with our orchestra and choirs. Be part of one of the most extraordinary musical moments of 2026.
Applications are now closed.
You’ll hear from us in June whether you have a place or not.
Edward Elgar's The Dream of Gerontius
Edward Elgar’s The Dream of Gerontius is one of the great masterpieces of English choral music. Stirring, empowering, unforgettable.
Like many composers throughout human history, Elgar uses music to explore one of life’s great unknowns: death.
Drawing on a poem by John Henry Newman of the same name, the first part follows a man named Gerontius through fear, doubt and longing as he leaves earthly life behind.
The second part opens out into a deeply moving, hopeful vision of what may come after. Through shining orchestration and soaring choral lines, Elgar concludes that death is not an end but a transformative passage that holds the promise of understanding, peace, and ultimately, salvation.
Even though it’s a huge piece of music – four solo singers, large chorus and full orchestra – it’s a remarkably intimate, delicate, personal experience for both performers and audience.
Where have I heard it before?
The Dream of Gerontius recently featured in hit film The Choral – with one of our very own Chorus members appearing in the film.
If you don’t know it, we bet you’ll recognise some of Elgar’s other works, like Nimrod or Land of Hope and Glory, from weddings, graduations and Last Night of the Proms.
Get a feel for the music
Go in the name of Angels
Get a feel for lush textures, soaring vocal lines and shimmering orchestral parts of The Dream of Gerontius with this video from Brisbane Chorale and Brisbane Symphony Orchestra.
Play with Royal Northern Sinfonia
Sit side-by-side with the North East’s professional orchestra. They’re a fantastic team, and you’ll come away with loads of inspiring tips and techniques.
If you’re over 18 and play an orchestral instrument to at least grade 6 standard, we want to hear from you. You don’t need to have loads of orchestral experience. Enthusiasm, motivation and commitment are the most important things.
Rehearsals begin in September and will be a mix of small groups, sectionals and full orchestra sessions through the autumn. In the final week before the concert, the orchestra, chorus and soloists will come together with Royal Northern Sinfonia’s Music Director Dinis Sousa to add the final touches before the big day on Sunday 8 November.
Instruments we’re looking for: flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, french horn, trumpet, trombone, tuba, violin, viola, cello, double bass, percussion.
Sing with Chorus of Royal Northern Sinfonia
Made up of over 90 singers from all walks of life, Chorus of Royal Northern Sinfonia are one of the most exciting choirs in the North East. They’ve got an awards shelf to prove it.
If you’re over 18 and love to sing, join them. Whether this’ll be your very first performance or your hundredth, you’ll fit right in. All you need is enthusiasm, commitment and a passion for making music together.
Weekly rehearsals will start in September, led by Chorus Director Tim Burke. We’ll run two rehearsal groups so that you can work at the best pace for you. Tell us on your application form where you’re up to with your singing right now and we’ll let you know which group you should rehearse with.
In the final week before the concert, the orchestra, choir and soloists will come together with Royal Northern Sinfonia’s Music Director Dinis Sousa to add the final touches before the big day on Sunday 8 November.
Chorus Director Tim Burke
Why?
“You’ll be welcomed. You’ll be nurtured. You’ll be cared for. You’ll be supported by people either side of you. Whatever bits you don’t know, they will. Time is short, just do it!” – Peter (The People’s Requiem)
In October 2021 we opened our doors and our stage for The People’s Requiem. The event brought together hundreds of performers after the global pandemic to mark loss and suffering with a powerful performance of Verdi’s Requiem. We immediately knew we wanted to do it again.
Since then, we’ve invited singers to join us for the award-winning Night Choir project in Summer 2023 and A Child of Our Time in Autumn 2024.
If you choose to share the stage with us this year, you’ll be part of an event to remember. You’ll learn an amazing piece of music. You’ll work with some of the best classical musicians and conductors in the business. You’ll meet new people and connect with a vibrant creative community. And it’s a scientific fact that music-making is good for your body and your mind, so you’ll even be taking care of your wellbeing.
“It was a wonderful experience. I started this process in a room filled with strangers and yesterday performed with caring and supportive friends” – Kevin (A Child of Our Time)
Step into their shoes
Share the Stage: A Child of Our Time
Watch how Share the Stage: A Child of Our Time came together in November 2024, from first rehearsal to final performance. Hear directly from the singers, musicians and conductors who brought Michael Tippett’s masterpiece to life. Then imagine yourself in their shoes, performing Elgar’s Dream of Gerontius.
Rehearsal dates and times
Orchestra
Friday 11 or Friday 18 September / 5.30 – 9.30pm
Saturday 10 October / 2.30 – 5.30pm and 6.30 – 9.30pm
Sunday 1 November / 2.30 – 5.30pm
Monday 2 November / 6.30 – 9.30pm
Friday 6 November / 6.30 – 9.30pm
Saturday 7 November / 10am – 1pm and 2 – 5pm
Sunday 8 November / 11am – 1.30pm, concert at 3pm
Chorus - for people who don't read sheet music
Thursday 3 September / 6 – 9.30pm
Thursday 10 September / 7 – 9.30pm
Thursday 17 September / 7 – 9.30pm
Thursday 24 September / 7 – 9.30pm
Thursday 1 October / 7 – 9.30pm
Thursday 8 October / 7 – 9.30pm
Thursday 15 October / 7 – 9.30pm
Thursday 22 October / 7 – 9.30pm
Thursday 29 October / 7 – 9.30pm
Sunday 1 November / 7 – 9.30pm
Friday 6 November / 6.30 – 9.30pm
Saturday 7 November / 2 – 5pm
Sunday 8 November / 10am – 1.30pm, concert at 3pm
Chorus - for people who are confident music readers
Sunday 6 September / 6 – 9.30pm
Sunday 13 September / 7 – 9.30pm
Sunday 20 September / 7 – 9.30pm
Sunday 27 September / 7 – 9.30pm
Sunday 4 October / 7 – 9.30pm
Thursday 8 October / 7 – 9.30pm
Sunday 11 October / 7 – 9.30pm
Sunday 18 October / 7 – 9.30pm
Sunday 25 October / 7 – 9.30pm
Sunday 1 November / 7 – 9.30pm
Friday 6 November / 6.30 – 9.30pm
Saturday 7 November / 2 – 5pm
Sunday 8 November / 10am – 1.30pm, concert at 3pm