Minneapolis, Minn. (March 5, 2010) – VocalEssence, the award-winning choral ensemble based in Minneapolis, announces singer auditions for the 2010-2011 concert season. Openings are available in all voice parts for the 100-voice volunteer VocalEssence Chorus and the 32-voice professional VocalEssence Ensemble Singers. Auditions will be held Sunday, April 25; Saturday, May 1; Sunday, May 2; and Tuesday, May 4, 2010 at Plymouth Congregational Church, 1900 Nicollet Avenue in Minneapolis. Schedule an audition online at www.vocalessence.org/audition or by calling Elissa Weller at 612-547-1452. 

Directed by conductor Philip Brunelle and associate conductor Sigrid Johnson, VocalEssence is known for its adventurous programming, innovative collaborations, and polished vocal blend. During the 2009-2010 season, VocalEssence presented music ranging from Baroque to contemporary, performing with artists such as soprano Maria Jette, James Sewell and members of the James Sewell Ballet, Grammy award-winning British conductor Simon Halsey, and the women’s a cappella group Sweet Honey In The Rock. The 2010-2011 VocalEssence season will be announced on March 13, 2010. Information will be available at www.vocalessence.org.

“We are looking for singers who enjoy all aspects of choral music performance,” says Elissa Weller, VocalEssence Chorus Manager. “Singers should come prepared to demonstrate strong sight-singing and tonal memory abilities.”

The volunteer VocalEssence Chorus will perform in five subscription concerts during the 2010-2011 season. Rehearsals take place on Tuesday evenings from September-May. Singers should be prepared for a 10-minute audition which will include one prepared piece (classical or sacred/gospel, memorization not required), sight reading, and tonal memory. An accompanist will be provided. There is a $10 fee to audition for the volunteer Chorus.

Positions in the VocalEssence Ensemble Singers are paid, and professional experience is required. In addition to singing in VocalEssence subscription concerts, members of the Ensemble Singers are frequently called upon for special projects such as recordings, radio appearances, and touring. The 15-minute audition consists of two prepared pieces (at least one in a foreign language—memorization not required), sight reading, and tonal memory. An accompanist will be provided. There is a $15 fee to audition for the Ensemble Singers. Ensemble Singer callback auditions take place on Thursday, May 20, 2010.

For additional press information, please contact Director of Marketing and Public Relations Jennifer Bauer at 612-547-1459.

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