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Auditions: May Festival Chorus

Cincinnati’s May Festival Chorus, May Festival Youth Chorus and Vocal Arts Ensemble are seeking skilled choral singers of various age and performance levels to join the roster of singers for performances during the 2015-2016 seasons.

May Festival Chorus

WHEN: Audition dates are August 2, 26 and 27. By appointment only.

WHAT: Audition requirements for the adult May Festival Chorus include a performance of two solo works of contrasting styles, one to be sung in English, another in Latin, French, German or Italian. Vocalization and sight reading are an integral part of the audition process. An accompanist will be provided. Rehearsals for the May Festival Chorus are regularly scheduled on Tuesday evenings from 7-10 p.m at Music Hall. The May Festival Chorus is the official chorus of the Cincinnati Symphony and Pops Orchestra and performs periodically year-round as part of the CSO and Pops season as well as the seasonal concerts at Riverbend Music Center, in addition to the two- week Festival each May. The May Festival Chorus is an all volunteer chorus.

HOW: To schedule an audition email rwetzel@mayfestival.com or call the May Festival Office at 513.744.3229.

May Festival Youth Chorus

WHEN: Auditions will be held at Knox Presbyterian Church on Saturday, September 5, 2015 and Sundays throughout the month of September. By appointment only.

WHAT: Audition requirements are one prepared piece, classical in nature, basic sight reading and vocalization. Students in grades 9-12 are eligible to audition, and

rehearsals for the May Festival Youth Chorus are regularly scheduled on Sunday afternoons (September-May) from 2:30-5 p.m. at Knox Presbyterian Church in Hyde Park. An accompanist will be provided. In addition to annual performances, the May Festival Youth Chorus performs occasionally with the Cincinnati Symphony & Pops Orchestra and members can also join the larger chorus at the seasonal Riverbend concerts, in addition to performances during the two-week Festival each May. The May Festival Youth Chorus is an all volunteer chorus.

HOW: To schedule an audition email RWetzel@mayfestival.com or call the May Festival Office at 513.744.3229.

Vocal Arts Ensemble

WHEN: If interested, please send MP3s of two contrasting selections to Rosanne Wetzel, rwetzel@mayfestival.com by July 10. If selected for a live audition, those will be held July 13 at Lakeside Presbyterian Church.

WHAT: VAE: Vocal Arts Ensemble, Cincinnati's professional chorus, is auditioning new singers for the 2015-16 season. Music Director Craig Hella Johnson, recent Grammy winner and Chorus America lifetime achievement recipient, will hear auditions. Auditions are open to any and all interested singers, but VAE membership demands superior vocal technique, sight-reading skills and musicianship, along with a love for and acute sensitivity and commitment to chamber music engagement and ensemble artistry. An accompanist will be provided. The Vocal Arts Ensemble singer positions are paid.

HOW: Questions? Call 513-744-3229.