Colorado Symphony Chorus - Prospective Member Information

Colorado Symphony Chorus INFORMATION FOR PROSPECTIVE MEMBERS

C O L O R A D O S Y M P H O N Y.O R G

CHORUS

Thank you for your interest in singing with the Colorado Symphony Chorus!

We hope that this document – Frequently Asked Questions – will answer most of your questions about the Chorus and its work with the Colorado Symphony.

Frequently Asked Questions How is the Chorus structured?

The Colorado Symphony Chorus is a large symphonic chorus constituted of approximately 170 volunteer singers who perform the great masterworks of the choral-orchestral repertoire with the Colorado Symphony. The Chorus also appears regularly with the Aspen Music Festival and the Bravo! Vail Music Festival, singing with the New York Philharmonic Orchestra, the Dallas Symphony, and the Philadelphia Orchestra.

What is the repertoire of the Chorus?

The Chorus sings principally the music of great masters, including oratorios, masses, requiems, operas, and symphonies in Latin, German, Russian, Italian, French, Hebrew, and English. The chorus also performs world premieres, special commissions, and commercial recordings.

Where and when are the rehearsals?

Regular weekly rehearsals are Tuesday evenings 7:00-9:30 pm at Trinity United Methodist Church in downtown Denver, 18th Street and Broadway. Free parking is available for Chorus members in a nearby parking garage after 4:00 pm.

Concert week rehearsals: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday rehearsals with orchestra; Friday, Saturday, and sometimes Sunday concerts. Concerts are at Boettcher Concert Hall at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, 13th and Curtis Streets. Free parking passes are provided for most rehearsals and concerts at Boettcher Concert Hall.

Occasional summer rehearsals are scheduled as needed for festival projects (mentioned above) and are generally Monday or Tuesday evening.

What are the attendance expectations?

In order to maintain high artistic standards, members are expected to be at all rehearsals and concerts. (Exceptions are made for illness and family emergencies or obligations.) Membership in the chorus is a significant commitment; members are encouraged to study the full schedule and commit to the full season.

Are there costs involved with Chorus membership?

There are no fees, dues, or tuition for Colorado Symphony Chorus members. Women purchase their uniform attire: $90 for the dress; $10 for the pearls. Men provide their own tuxedo.

The Symphony Association provides all music. All members purchase their own black music folders.

For summer festival performances, housing is provided by the festival.

Who are the Chorus Conductors and Managers?

Founding Director and Conductor: Duain Wolfe is the founder of this 38-year old Chorus (as well as the founder of the Colorado Children’s Chorale which he directed for 25 years). He also directs the Chicago Symphony Chorus and commutes weekly between the two cities for rehearsals and performances.

Associate Director and Conductor: Mary Louise Burke is in her 28th season as Associate Director. She is also the Vocal Director of the Colorado Children’s Chorale.

Assistant Conductor: Taylor Martin (also Artistic Director of Elus Vocal Ensemble.)

Pianists: Brian Dukeshier, Hsiao-Ling Lin Chorus Managers: Eric Israelson, Barbara Porter

What is included in an audition? How do I schedule an audition?

Auditions for new members are scheduled each August-September and January.

Auditions include: 1. A solo - art song or aria (oratorio, opera). No pop songs, show tunes, hymns, or choral parts. A pianist is provided. Memorization is not required.

2. A brief sight singing example.

3. Auditionee may be asked to vocalize, to demonstrate vocal range and color.

4. A brief exercise to demonstrate ability to follow a conductor.

Auditions are at Trinity United Methodist Church at 18th and Broadway.

Are there age requirements?

A chorus member must be at least 21 years of age. Members of all ages are expected to maintain good vocal health.

Are there opportunities to sing solos with the orchestra and chorus?

Like all major orchestral associations, concert soloists are contracted by the artistic administration of the Symphony through artist agents. Chorus members occasionally sing small solos.

To schedule an audition, email ericisraelson@comcast.net. Include your name, voice part, phone number, and the title and composer of your audition selection.

Additional questions?

For additional information about the Colorado Symphony Chorus, please contact chorus manager Eric Israelson at ericisraelson@comcast.net

C O L O R A D O S Y M P H O N Y.O R G