The Monteverdi Apprenticeship scheme was set up in 2007 to address the problems faced by young musicians attempting to embark on a professional career. The aim of the scheme is to give the most promising young singers and players, on the verge of entering the profession, the chance not only to take part in the world-class performances of the Monteverdi ensembles but also to devise Schools’ concerts and help lead educational projects during a year-long apprenticeship. This will involve participation in selected projects of The Monteverdi Choir and its sister orchestras, The English Baroque Soloists and Orchestre Révolutionnaire et Romantique, under the direction of their founding conductor, Sir John Eliot Gardiner. An individual mentor is appointed for each Apprentice and they receive personal musical tuition from John Eliot Gardiner and from regular professional members of the ensembles, as well as specialised training to work with primary school children. The musicians selected will - receive an excellent preparation for a performing career, learning at first hand about the expectations and working practices of an internationally renowned ensemble. - learn to work in a team within the multi-national environment of the Choir and orchestras. - be encouraged to relate to children and to communicate their enthusiasm for classical music to those who have had no experience of it. In order to allow four Apprentices to take part in Monteverdi projects throughout the 2009-2010 season we need to raise £57,000: £50,000 to cover the costs of involving them in major concert tours, with associated educational work, £5,000 to cover training and £2,000 to pay for bursaries and mentorship costs.