Chorus
Please see the message below from Opera Grand Rapids Chorus Master Austin McWilliams.
Welcome to the 2021/22 season of the OGR Chorus! First, a few housekeeping items:
- Our regular chorus rehearsals are moving from Mondays to Wednesdays, 7:00–9:00 pm. We might do 7:30–9:30 pm if that is your preference.
- All 2020 Turandot chorus contracts are nullified. Considering that the opera will be performed two years later than originally intended, and that I have not yet heard you sing as an individual, all choristers must reaudition.
- All singers must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 in order to audition for the chorus.
- Please see the TENTATIVE SCHEDULE. All dates are still subject to change, but I’d estimate that the dates/times are 90% accurate.
Season Format
Next season will consist of two chorus cycles:
- Fall 2021: 16 voices, four concerts including Don Giovanni
- Spring 2022: 50 voices, Turandot only
The cycles are of similar time commitment, each about 50 hours distributed across three to four months. October and April will be the most hectic months.
IMPORTANT: If you choose to sing in the fall cycle, you are obligated to sing in the spring cycle as well.
Auditions
There will be two rounds of auditions, one in August and one in November (see above schedule).
- If you wish to sing in both the fall and spring cycles, you must audition in Round 1 in August.
- If you wish to sing in the spring cycle only, you may audition in either round, but you are encouraged to audition in Round 1 to guarantee your spot.
If you audition in Round 1 for both cycles, one of three things may occur:
- You may be accepted into both cycles.
- You may be accepted into the spring cycle only.
- You may be asked to reaudition in Round 2, and I would be happy to work with you to improve your skills.
Each audition will be 10 minutes and will consist of the following elements:
- Solo. Please prepare one solo piece to sing. A pianist will be provided for you free of charge. Make sure your music is in suitable shape for a pianist to sight-read. I am interested in hearing how well you sing, not how complicated your aria is. An unaccompanied “Happy Birthday” is as acceptable a choice as “Nessun dorma.”
- Sight-singing
- Italian diction
- Physical movement
After your 10-minute audition, you will be measured by our costumers.
To sign up for a Round 1 audition, you must complete these TWO steps:
- Sign up for your audition HERE. If we run out of slots, we’re happy to add more.
- Fill out THIS quick form.
Information regarding Round 2 auditions in November will be posted at a later date.
Please contact Austin McWilliams at amcwilliams@operagr.org with any questions. He will always respond within one business day.