Auditions are held regularly in the Spring and, as needed, in August.  Experienced singers are invited to audition.

Please prepare one solo in any language, ideally from the oratorio, art song, or opera repertoire. Memorization is not a requirement, though people sing with more ease and expression when the music is mastered. You will also be asked to sight-sing a choral excerpt, vocalize, sing chromatic and/or whole tone scales, and perform tonal memory exercises (sing back phrases played on the piano).

Please bring a copy of the your music in a binder for the accompanist.

ALL MEMBERS RE-AUDITION ANNUALLY.

For more information please contact MaryColleen Seip at mcseip@themendelssohn.org

Singers interested in auditioning for the professional core are asked to submit a résumé before scheduling an audition. Headshots are not needed. Auditions are held each Spring and, as needed, in August.  

Please prepare three solos in contrasting languages, styles and tempi (maximum total of 12 minutes of music; need not be memorized). You will also be asked to sight-sing, vocalize, sing chromatic and/or whole tone scales, sing prepared choral excerpts, read aloud short texts in Latin, German and French, and take a short written theory exam.

Core Prepared Excerpts
From Handel's Messiah
Sopranos: "For unto us a child is born", m. 13-18; "And He shall purify", m. 15-18
Altos: "For unto us a child is born", m. 56-61; "And He shall purify", m. 13-15
Tenors: "For unto us a child is born", m. 38-40; "And He shall purify", m. 41-45
Basses: "For unto us a child is born", m. 19-24; "And He shall purify", m. 5-10

Professional Core Member Re-Auditions
Please prepare two solos in contrasting languages, styles and tempi (maximum total of 9 minutes of music; need not be memorized). You will also be asked to sight-sing, vocalize, sing chromatic and/or whole tone scales, sing prepared choral excerpts (above), read aloud short texts in Latin, German and French, and may be asked to take a short written theory exam.

ALL MEMBERS RE-AUDITION ANNUALLY.

Please bring a copy of the your music in a binder for the accompanist.

For more information please contact MaryColleen Seip at mcseip@themendelssohn.org

“The Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh is dedicated to performing at the highest musical standards.”

Commitment and Preparation

A choir is more than an assembly of individual singers, it’s an ensemble. “Ensemble” is the French word for “together”; we need, by definition, to work together, regularly. Membership in the MCP therefore reflects a commitment to attending all rehearsals. Rehearsals are not about learning notes, they are about creating ensemble (that word again) and above all, making music. Singers are expected to learn their notes and rhythms before rehearsal.

Rehearsals are held Wednesdays from 7:30 PM to 10:00 PM at Heinz Hall, with additional rehearsals during the week of a concert.

Additional Policies for the  PROFESSSIONAL CORE

Members of the professional core are compensated for two instructional rehearsals, the conductor’s piano rehearsal, orchestra rehearsals and performances. They are expected to attend all instructional rehearsals held during the season for each concert period.

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