Messiah Chorus Auditions
The Mankato Symphony Orchestra is seeking singers to audition and participate in the 2023 performance of Handel's Messiah. Messiah has been a long-standing tradition for the MSO, dating all the way back to its inaugural season in 1950 with the "Mankato Community Singers." Now 73 years later, we are continuing the tradition. We invite you to audition and be a part of this wonderful holiday tradition.
The chorus will be under the direction of Jonathan Laabs and the Mankato Symphony is under the direction of Music Director Ernesto Estigarribia.
The rehearsal schedule for the chorus is as follows, and will be held in Silber Hall (YFAC101) in the Ylvisaker Fine Arts Center on the campus of Bethany Lutheran College.
Auditions:
September 11, 6:30-10:30pm (Silber Hall, Bethany Lutheran College, 700 Luther Drive, Mankato, MN )
Choral rehearsals:
Saturday, October 28, 10am-12pm
Saturday, November 4, 10am-12pm
Saturday, November 11, 10am-12pm
Saturday, November 18, 10am-12pm
Saturday, December 2, 10am-12pm
Saturday, December 9, 10am-12pm
Rehearsals with orchestra:
Chorus with Ernesto and continuo: Tuesday, December 12, 7-9pm (Silber Hall, Bethany Lutheran College)
Rehearsal with orchestra: Wednesday, December 13 @ 7:00-9:30pm (Saint Peter High School)
Rehearsal with orchestra: Thursday, December 14 @ 7:00-9:30pm (Saint Peter High School)
Dress Rehearsal: Friday, December 15 @ 7:00-9:30pm (Saint Peter High School)
Performances:
Performance: Saturday, December 16, 2023 @ 7:00pm (Saint Peter High School)
Performance: Sunday, December 17, 2023 @ 3:00pm (Fairmont Opera House)
Audition Information:
Each audition will take place individually with Chorusmaster Jonathan Laabs for 10-15 minutes, and will consist of two parts:
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A performance of the two provided excerpts. Please prepare each passage at the indicated tempo.
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A brief session of vocalises led by the Chorusmaster in order to explore range, agility, and tonal recall.
Download audition cuttings here.
To sign up, please use the form below. We will confirm your audition time with you by email.
Please direct any questions to Chorusmaster Jonathan Laabs at jonathan.a.laabs [at] gmail [dot] com
Audition for Messiah
Please complete the following information: