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 13-15; 19-22; 26-27, 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

1. Current vocal resumé (with voice part and contact information; file name must include your name)
2. Headshot (file name must include your name; 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.
• Your application is not complete, and we will not schedule your audition until we have received your deposit check.  
• 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

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Friday, January 31, 2020

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; To be sung with a straight tone. (Sopranos and Altos only) 
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.

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. 

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 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 Stephen Smith.

For more information on the Grant Park Music Festival, please visit our website: gpmf.org.