Audition for the VocalEssence Chorus & Ensemble Singers

About VocalEssence

Rehearsals are held on Tuesday evenings from September through June, plus special rehearsals and dress rehearsals as needed for each concert. Most rehearsals take place at Plymouth Congregational Church in Minneapolis. VocalEssence singers are expected to commit to the full VocalEssence concert season.

The VocalEssence Ensemble Singers are a paid professional chorus of 32 singers. The Ensemble Singers have a rigorous schedule and typically rehearse from 6:30-9:30pm on Tuesday evenings plus other special rehearsals as needed. The singers perform at most season and community concerts, plus local, national and international tours, recordings, radio broadcasts, daytime performances and for other special occasions, including regular appearances on Garrison Keillor's A Prairie Home Companion.

The VocalEssence Volunteer Chorus is a volunteer based ensemble of approximately 90 singers. The rehearsal runs from 7-9:30pm on Tuesday evenings plus dress rehearsals for each concert. Chorus members sing on most season and community concerts and are featured on many VocalEssence recordings. See below for audition information and requirements for both groups.

Ensemble Singers Auditions

Eight paid positions per section; professional experience required. The 15-minute audition consists of two prepared pieces (at least one in a foreign language––memorization not required), sight reading, and tonal memory. There is a $15 fee if auditioning for the Ensemble Singers. Current Ensemble Singers re-audition annually.

Volunteer Chorus Auditions

Approximately 100 volunteer positions. The 10-minute audition consists of one prepared piece (classical or sacred/gospel, memorization not required), sight reading, and tonal memory. There is a $10 fee if auditioning for the Volunteer Chorus. Current Volunteer Chorus members re-audition biennially (every odd numbered year).

Location

Plymouth Congregational Church
1900 Nicollet Avenue (Franklin & Nicollet), Minneapolis

Park free in the church lot  (Lot A on the map); enter the church through the door on the LaSalle Avenue (West) side of the building (under the covered walkway); follow signs to auditions.

Accompanists

You must have an accompanist; you may bring your own or use ours. The cost of using our accompanist is included in your audition fee. When you schedule your audition, let us know if you plan to use our accompanist. You do not need to provide music to us in advance, but be sure to bring a copy of your music to your audition for the accompanist.

Concert Attire

Should you be accepted into the VocalEssence Chorus or Ensemble Singers, you are required to purchase your own concert attire at your own expense. Men are required to wear a tuxedo. Women are required to purchase a specially designed dress at a cost of $60.