Sydney Philharmonia recruits singers throughout the year. In 2009 we have two options for you:

There will be sessions prior to selected Tuesday night rehearsals (approx 5.30pm-6.15pm) where our Artistic Director can hear you.
or

There will be selected Tuesday night rehearsals will you will be allowed to sit in for the first half of a rehearsal and in the rehearsal break our Artistic Director will hear you.

We ask you to pay a small fee to register for this process ($30.00).

The answers to common questions about our process appear below.

To register for an Audition:

• you can apply and pay online with our secure payment system (credit card only)
• OR download our application form (235kB PDF) and return it by fax (credit card only) or ordinary post (cheque or credit card).

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.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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 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.