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Our next Open Day is the afternoon of Sunday August 17 2008.
Sydney Philharmonia recruits singers throughout the year. We
invite prospective choristers to an open day. Eligible applicants
are invited to audition at the end of the day.
However, we are always
interested in hearing new singers and often organise dedicated
audition evenings – sometimes before choir rehearsals.
We ask you to pay a small fee to register for an open day ($30.00).
The answers to common questions about our process
(including what to expect at an open day) appear below.
To register for an Open Day:
Messiah Choir
Each year Sydney Philharmonia recruits up to 450 extra choristers
for our performances of Messiah in December. These choristers join our Messiah Choir
and whilst there is no audition for this choir there is a registration
fee.
If you wish to receive
registration information when these events are opened, join our database . Be sure to include your name, mailing address
and a contact phone number.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an Open Day and an audition?
We hold Open Days every three months.
An Open Day runs for 4 hours (usually 1pm – 5pm on a
Saturday or Sunday) and generally involves 30 participants.
Participants take part in workshops and tutorials that focus
on ensemble singing, rhythm and pitch skills and vocal technique.
Often participants have the chance to sing for a vocal coach
on the day.
Eligible participants are invited to audition towards the
end of the afternoon on the basis of the feedback from their
session with the vocal coach.
However, we are always interested in hearing new singers and
often organise dedicated audition evenings – sometimes
before choir rehearsals.
What does the audition involve?
Auditions last about 15 minutes.
You will need to prepare a solo piece such as a song (art-song
or lieder) or an oratorio aria so that we can hear your voice.
We will provide an accompanist. Generally we will also want
to hear you sing some scales and vocal exercises so that we
can determine your vocal range.
You will also be given some sight-reading material. We look
for a good standard of sight-reading because of our busy and
varied concert schedule.
I get really nervous before auditions. What should I do?
No one really likes auditioning! However, we want to make
your audition experience as pleasant as possible.
Make sure your chosen song is well prepared and that you have
spare photocopies of the music for the panel and accompanist.
Wear whatever you feel comfortable in.
Treat yourself to a quiet day before coming in to audition
for us – if you are rushed for time it is difficult to
focus properly.
If you want a glass of water or a music stand, just ask!
If you are sick on the day of your audition, it’s best
to postpone so that you will be heard at your best.
Do I need to be having singing lessons?
All of our choristers are encouraged to have regular singing
lessons. While not essential, we look for singers who have either
had some vocal training or have regularly performed with a recognised
choir or vocal ensemble.
If you are unsure of whether you have sufficient experience,
we can offer advice on whether you should audition, or point
you in the direction of quality vocal training.
What does it cost?
There is a $30.00 audition/Open
Day fee.
If you are successful in your audition, you will be taken
on as a trial chorister for six months. In that time, you do
not have to pay membership fees.
Once you are accepted as a full member,
the annual membership
fee is $110. All music and folders are provided free of charge.
You will also have to purchase your performance clothes, which for men is a
dinner suit and for women a specially designed top. Your costs to attend
rehearsals and performances such as car parking, refreshments etc will
also be at your own cost.
What happens after the audition?
We will write to you as soon as possible after the audition
to let you know whether or not we are able to offer you a place
in one of our choirs.
If you are unsuccessful, we try to give you lots of constructive
feedback and are happy to give you suggestions on how you can
improve.
What sort of repertoire do you sing?
See our Choirs page on this
website.
When and where do you perform?
Most of our concerts are held at the Sydney Opera House Concert
Hall or at City Recital Hall Angel Place.
Our annual subscription series consists of about 6 concerts
programmed between February and December.
We regularly perform as chorus to the Sydney Symphony in anywhere
between 1 and 6 concerts per year. We go on tour occasionally
both in Australia and overseas.
Do I have to sing in every concert?
Singing with Sydney Philharmonia is a big commitment. However,
we don’t expect our singers to sing in every single concert
program. We ask that choristers commit to 80% of the year’s
activities and that no more than one rehearsal is missed in
a program.
When and where do you rehearse?
All of our auditioned choirs (Symphony Chorus, Chamber Singers and Vox) rehearse
at The Wharf, Pier 4 Hickson Road, Millers Point NSW 2000.
The closest train station is Circular Quay and metered parking
is available on Hickson Road.
Chamber Singers rehearses Monday nights 6.30pm – 9.30pm..
Symphony Chorus rehearses Tuesday nights 6.30pm – 9.30pm.
Vox rehearses Wednesday nights 7.00pm – 10.00pm.
Rehearsals are generally once a week, and occasionally on Saturdays,
with additional rehearsals in the week leading up to a concert.
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