AGES 10 TO 16
Under the direction of Artistic Director Ann Cooper Gay, the Principal Chorus rehearses twice weekly on Mondays and Thursdays from 4:30 – 6:30 pm. In October and November of 2008, regular rehearsals will also take place on Saturdays in preparation for the Winter Opera production.
Members of the Principal Chorus participate each season in concerts, a fully staged opera production and numerous other performance and recording opportunities as well as appearing with leading performing arts groups such as the Canadian Opera Company, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, Mirvish Productions, the Hannaford Street Silver Band, University of Toronto Opera School and Soundstreams Canada. Principal Chorus members participate in vocal training, drama workshops and tour programs. Dramatic training is provided by resident drama coaches in addition to guest directors and choreographers.
The Chamber Choir is drawn from members of the Principal Chorus. Members of this group sing additional unique repertoire and have extra performance opportunities.
A five-day summer camp is held during the last week of August, and is mandatory for all members.
Audition requirements for Principal Chorus:
- Two musical selections of contrasting styles, at least one of which must be folk or classical. A pianist will accompany you or you may supply your own. Please bring printed music with you if you have it.
- One short spoken dramatic selection
- Auditionees will be asked to sing back intervals and melodies, clap rhythms and sight-sing.
- There will be a short written evaluation of theory level for purposes of internal placement.