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.

The Grant Park Chorus 2018 season is currently scheduled to begin on May 23 and continue through August 18. The Grant Park Chorus performs six programs per season as part of the Grant Park Music Festival. Performances are currently scheduled for June 13 and 15; June 20 and 22; July 13 and 14; July 19 and 22; August 3 and 4; and August 17 and 18.

For 2018, per service fees for first-year chorus members range from $97.27 - $107.66 per rehearsal and $229.22 per performance. Regular rehearsals are generally held weekday evenings (7 PM - 10 PM); orchestra rehearsals are generally held on weekdays (10:30 AM - 1 PM).

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.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 24, 2018

CHORUS AUDITION DATES
February 7-22, 2018 (*only* Wednesdays – Saturdays)

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

• Current resumé (with voice part and contact information)
• Headshot
• Refundable deposit check of $75, made payable to: Grant Park Music Festival.

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.

All winning candidates must be legally eligible to accept work with the Grant Park Chorus.

An accompanist is provided at all auditions. Original parts will be available for use at the time of the audition. Please remember to bring copies of each solo piece (in a three-ring binder) for the accompanist.

AUDITION REPERTOIRE REQUIREMENTS

1. Candidates will be asked to sing the following prepared choral excerpt(s):
   • Haydn, Theresienmesse, “Et vitam” fugue; quarter note = 72 (All voices)
   • Whitacre, Lux Aurumque, bars 1-24; quarter note = 60-66; To be sung with a straight tone (Sopranos and Altos only)
2. Additionally, candidates should prepare two contrasting solos: oratorio excerpt, art song, or opera aria.
3. All candidates will be expected to undertake vocalizations to determine best range.
4. All probationary, supplemental, volunteer members and new candidates should be prepared to undertake sight-singing exercises.
5. In certain circumstances a recall audition may be required.

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.