Grant Park Chorus Auditions
The Grant Park Chorus, led by Chorus Director Christopher Bell, welcomes all voice parts to audition. The Grant Park Chorus is a fully professional ensemble of the highest artistic caliber. Only highly qualified candidates should apply.
CHORUS AUDITION DATES
February 12—15, 2020
February 19—22, 2020
February 26—27, 2020
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Friday, January 31, 2020
SEASON DATES
June 2—August 15, 2020
CHORUS PERFORMANCE DATES
June 12 & 13
June 26 & 27
July 10 & 11
July 24 & 25
August 6 & 10
August 14 & 15
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 (uploaded file name must include your full name)
3. Refundable deposit check of $75, made payable to Grant Park Music Festival. Please include "Chorus Auditions" on the memo line.
- Your original, un-cashed check will be returned to you at your audition. If you must cancel a confirmed audition time, your check will be destroyed if you notify the Festival office 24 hours in advance of your audition.
- Send check to: Grant Park Music Festival, Attention: Choral Auditions, 205 East Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601
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 piece will be performed.
AUDITION REPERTOIRE REQUIREMENTS
1. Prepare the following choral excerpt(s):
- Beethoven, Mass in C, "Cum Sancto" fugue; half note = 100 (All voices)
- Lauridsen, O Magnum Mysterium, bars 1-18; quarter note = 72 (Sopranos and Altos only) To be sung with a straight tone.
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 $102.69 - $113.66 per rehearsal and $242 per performance. Regular rehearsals are generally held weekday evenings (7 PM - 10 PM); orchestra rehearsals are generally held on weekdays (10:30 AM - 1:30 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.