MAY FESTIVAL CHORUS and MAY FESTIVAL YOUTH CHORUS - New Music Hall Season Non Equity Auditions

Auditions Announced for May Festival Chorus and May Festival Youth Chorus for New Music Hall Season Auditions held throughout August & September, by appointment only

Cincinnati’s May Festival Chorus and May Festival Youth Chorus are seeking amateur choral singers of various age and performance levels to join the roster of singers for performances during the

2017-2018 seasons. The season marks the highly anticipated return to the newly renovated Music Hall. May Festival Chorus members will perform with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra throughout the fall and winter season, as well as during the annual two-week May Festival, the event for which Music Hall was originally built.

May Festival Chorus

WHEN: Audition dates are August 1, 2, 7 and 8. By appointment only.

WHAT: Audition requirements for the adult May Festival Chorus include a performance of two solo works from classical literature, one in English and one in another language. Extensive 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 season runs from the September 9 retreat through the May 2018 May Festival. 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 Friday, September 8, Saturday, September 9, and Sundays throughout the month of September 2017. By appointment only.

WHAT: Audition requirements are one prepared piece, classical in nature, demonstration of vocal range and basic sight reading. 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). 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.

About the May Festival

Established in 1873, the May Festival is directly responsible for the development of Cincinnati’s modern music life. Music Hall, the city’s primary concert venue, was built specifically to house the Festival’s performance. The prestigious roster of Festival Music Directors has included, among others, Theodore Thomas, Max Rudolf, James Levine and, currently, James Conlon.

About the May Festival Youth Chorus

The May Festival Youth Chorus, was organized in 1987 to give high school students the opportunity to rehearse and perform challenging choral music in a highly stimulating artistic environment. The group, sponsored by the Scripps Howard Foundation, rehearses weekly and performs annually on several area concert series and the Cincinnati May Festival.