Keep scrolling for info about what to expect and what to prepare. Click here to go to the online signup. We are not holding auditions for soloists at this time. Please check back on this page for updated information.
Rehearsals for the new season typically begin the day after Labor Day or the following Monday. See rehearsal schedule and location details below.
Auditions take place at Church of the Holy Comforter, 130 West Seminary Avenue in Lutherville, just north of the beltway. *Please note* there are two Holy Comforters in the area, so be sure to navigate to the correct address.
Led by Artistic Director and Conductor Arian Khaefi, Handel Choir of Baltimore brings together excellent singers and players from across the Mid-Atlantic to perform repertoire ranging from early music to newly commissioned works by some of the field’s best current practitioners.
Regarded as one of the region’s top choral ensembles, Handel Choir also actively promotes the artistic health and growth of the community through its collaborative work with other organizations, recently including Brahms’ Ein deutsches Requiem with Camerata of University of Maryland Baltimore County, and performances with Children’s Chorus of Maryland, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Baltimore Baroque Band, Harmonious Blacksmith, Baltimore Chamber Orchestra and Peabody Early Music.
What should I prepare for an audition?
You should prepare a song or aria that effectively demonstrates your vocal and musical ability—a folk song, hymn, patriotic song or aria are all fine. Those auditioning for a soloist role should prepare at least two works of contrasting styles. Accompanist will be present for your audition.
What should I expect in an audition?
Singers audition individually with Artistic Director and Conductor Arian Khaefi. Singers will also be asked to sing vocal exercises as demonstrated, to further assess voice category and color, and will sight-read a relatively simple melody and rhythm to demonstrate musicianship skills. Prior instrumental and/or vocal solo or ensemble experience is strongly recommended. Your audition will last approximately ten minutes.
What is the rehearsal schedule?
Handel Choir rehearses Monday nights from 7:30 to 10:00 p.m., periodic Tuesday sectionals (two per concert period), and mandatory working and dress choral-orchestral rehearsals during the two weeks prior to a subscription concert. In addition to our subscription concert performances, there are several performances in the community. Choir members are expected to sing in all scheduled appearances. In each of the subscription concert periods (September-December for Messiah and January through late April or early May) a maximum of two absences is permitted. Singers are expected to work on their music individually in between rehearsals, preparing assigned passages and reviewing music that proved challenging during prior rehearsals.
When do rehearsals begin?
Rehearsals for the new season typically begin the day after Labor Day or the following Monday. After Messiah performances in December, rehearsals typically resume on the first Monday in the new year.
Who sings in Handel Choir?
Our singers have a wide range of musical backgrounds; several are professional musicians. Singers range in age from early 20s to early 60s, and we come from the Baltimore/DC/Pennsylvania and Western Maryland regions. Handel Choir is a friendly group, and we get to know each other as friends as well as musicians.
Dues and music?
Annual membership dues of $170 are collected at the start of the season. Financial aid is available to ensure that all qualified singers are able to participate. Vocal scores for the season are available to members to purchase at cost. Members are welcome to use scores from their own collection provided the editions are the same. Black music folders are required for concerts. A limited number of folders are available for purchase.
What does Handel Choir wear?
Members are responsible for providing their own concert attire. Men wear a black dinner jacket (tuxedo) with white shirt, black bow tie, black pants, black socks and black dress shoes. Women wear a long sleeved black top, floor length black skirt (hem 1/2 to 1 inch from floor) or dressy, loose fitting black pants, black hosiery and black dress shoes.
Additional responsibilities:
Members support Handel Choir through participation on committees and by working on special projects. Each member supports Handel Choir by publicizing concerts and events to their friends, family and associates, and to their own communities, and by purchasing or selling tickets to subscription concerts.
Handel Choir of Baltimore, 6200 North Charles Street #104, Baltimore, MD 21212 • 667.206.4120 • info@handelchoir.org
For more details, please visit the Handel Choir website.
