Grant Park Chorus Auditions
The Grant Park Chorus, led by Chorus Director Christopher Bell, welcomes all voice parts to audition for position. The Grant Park Chorus is a fully professional ensemble of the highest artistic caliber. Only highly qualified candidates should apply.
CHORUS AUDITION DATES
February 5, 2019
February 7—9, 2019
February 13—16, 2019
February 20—21, 2019
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Wednesday, January 23, 2019
SEASON DATES
May 29—August 17, 2019
CHORUS PERFORMANCE DATES
June 14 & 15
June 28 & 29
July 12 & 13
July 18 & 22
August 9 & 10
August 16 & 17
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
To request an audition: click here and submit the following materials:
1. Current vocal resumé (with voice part and contact information)
2. Headshot (professional headshot not required)
3. Refundable deposit check of $75, made payable to Grant Park Music Festival. Please include "Chorus Auditions" on the memo line.
If an audition is granted, your audition time will be confirmed once your deposit check has been received. Your original, un-cashed check will be returned to you at the audition. If you must cancel a confirmed time, your check will be destroyed if you notify the Festival office 48 hours in advance of your audition.
We provide an accompanist and original parts of the excerpts at all auditions. Please bring two copies of your solo pieces (in a 3-ring binder) for the accompanist and for Christopher Bell, should he wish to see your music.
AUDITION REPERTOIRE REQUIREMENTS
1. Prepare the following choral excerpt(s):
- Beethoven, Missa Solemnis, "In Gloria Dei Patris" fugue; half note = 80 (All voices)
- Whitacre, Sleep, bars 14-26; quarter note = 60 (Sopranos and Altos only) To be sung with a straight tone. Sopranos sing S1; Altos sing S2.
2. Prepare two contrasting solos: oratorio excerpt, art song, or opera aria.
3. Perform sight singing exercises and vocalizations to determine best range.
4. In certain circumstances a recall audition may be required.
COMPENSATION
Per service fees for first-year chorus members range from $97.27 - $107.66 per rehearsal and $229.22 per performance. 2019 compensation is subject to negotiations. Regular rehearsals are generally held weekday evenings (7 PM - 10 PM); orchestra rehearsals are generally held on weekdays (10:30 AM - 1 PM).
All winning candidates must be legally eligible to accept work with the Grant Park Chorus. 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.
ABOUT THE FESTIVAL
For more than 80 years, the Grant Park Music Festival has been Chicago's summer music 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 Stephen Smith.