2023 Chorus Auditions
The Grant Park Chorus, led by Chorus Director, Christopher Bell, welcomes all voice parts to audition for positions. The Grant Park Chorus is a fully professional ensemble of the highest artistic caliber. Only highly qualified candidates should apply.
Audition Dates: February 10-11; 13-18; 20-21, 2023
Season Dates: May 30 – August 19, 2023
Chorus Performance Dates: June 16 & 17
June 26 & 27
July 7 & 8
July 21 & 22
July 28 & 29
August 18 & 19
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
To apply, click on the "Submit Application" button below in order to complete your application and submit your résumé and headshot. A $75 audition deposit (waived for AGMA members), payable by check or money order, is required. Deposit instructions will be given after applications are received and an audition is granted. Your audition time will be confirmed once your deposit check has been received. Deposits will be returned when candidates arrive at the audition or will be destroyed if candidate withdraws 48 hours in advance of your audition.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Friday, February 3, 2023
AUDITION REPERTOIRE REQUIREMENTS
- Prepare the following choral excerpt(s):
-
Dvořák, Stabat Mater, Chorus no. 5 “Tui nati vulnerati,” beginning to bar 37; dotted quarter note = 42 (all voices)
-
Mozart, Ave Verum Corpus, Beginning through Pro Homine (bars 1-18); quarter note = 80 (SA only, to be sung with a straight tone; all sopranos and altos sing the soprano line)
- Prepare two contrasting solos: oratorio excerpt, art song, or opera aria.
- Perform sight singing exercises and vocalizations to determine best range.
We provide an accompanist and original parts of the excerpts at all auditions. Please bring two copies of your solo pieces (in 3-ring binders) for the accompanist and for Christopher Bell. The copies must be in the key in which the pieces will be performed.
COMPENSATION
Per service fees for first-year chorus members range from $108.94 - $120.58 per rehearsal and $256.74 per performance. Regular rehearsals are generally held weekday evenings (7P – 10P); orchestra rehearsals are generally held on weekdays (10:30A – 1:30P).
All winning candidates must be legally eligible to accept work with the Grant Park Chorus at the time of the audition. Any singer who is offered employment and is not already a member of AGMA (American Guild for Musical Artists) will be required to join AGMA.
COVID-19 SAFETY PROTOCOLS
Audition candidates must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 in order to be allowed to audition. For purposes of this policy, “fully vaccinated” means a person has received a primary series of the COVID-19 vaccine(s) approved by the FDA, plus at least one (1) dose of a booster. Candidates must show proof of vaccination on the day of their audition in order to be allowed to participate.
All audition candidates will be required to wear a mask that covers both nose and mouth for the duration of their time in our facilities. Candidates will be permitted to remove their masks only when they are actively singing.
ABOUT THE FESTIVAL
For more than 80 years, the Grant Park Music Festival has been Chicago’s summer musical sensation, demonstrating that classical music performed by a world-class orchestra and chorus can have a transformative impact on the city. Showcased in the city’s most spectacular setting, the Festival continues to be the summer gathering place for all of Chicago. The Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park is the official home of the Grant Park Music Festival, with free seats available for every concert.
The Festival is led by Artistic Director and Principal Conductor Carlos Kalmar, along with Grant Park Chorus Director Christopher Bell, Grant Park Orchestral Association President and CEO Paul Winberg, and Board Chair Adam Grais.
The Grant Park Music Festival is an equal opportunity employer and a proud partner of the National Alliance for Audition Support.