About
Chorus
The South Dakota Symphony Orchestra Chorus is the official vocal ensemble of the South Dakota Symphony Orchestra. As a volunteer chorus, they are committed to the rehearsal and performance of the greatest masterworks of the choral and opera genres. The season traditionally consists of annual presentations of the popular Christmas with the Symphony: 'Tis the Season concerts and Handel's Messiah. In the spring, the chorus typically prepares two major works for orchestra and chorus. Recent seasons have included Bach's St. Matthew Passion, the world premiere of Malek Jandali's A Candle, Beethoven's 9th Symphony, Mozart's Requiem, Brahms' Requiem with Grammy-winning conductor John Nelson, and Mahler's Symphony No. 3. The 2024-25 season will include Handel's Messiah, 'Tis the Season, Bach's Cantata 159, Mendelssohn's O Haupt voll Blut und Wunden, Mozart's Mass in C Minor, and a staged production of Douglas Moore's opera Giants in the Earth.
Auditions
The South Dakota Symphony Orchestra Chorus is led by Dr. Timothy Campbell. The Chorus looks for members with a strong work ethic and musical background, as well as a joyful spirit of collaboration. Auditions are competitive and are required for all members.
SDSO Chorus 2024-25 Season Audition dates:
Tuesday, August 13 & Thursday, August 29
Auditions are a 4-step process:
1. Review the 2024-25 season schedule
2. Fill out the audition information form
3. Schedule your 10-minute audition
4. Prepare items 1 & 2 below prior to your audition, which will consist of the following:
- Any song/aria/hymn of your choosing up to 2-3 minutes in length. An accompanist will be provided, and memorization is not required. Please bring two copies of your music (one for the accompanist, one for yourself). You may instead sing "My Country Tis of Thee"-a copy will be available at the audition.
- Prepare thoroughly the two excerpts from Messiah linked below. Please note the specific instructions and measures written atop each movement. A copy will be available at the audition.
EXCERPT 1 EXCERPT 2 - Vocalization
- Sight-reading examples
Audition results are typically communicated by email one week after your audition. Auditions on August 13 & 29 are strongly preferred. If you are unable to make either date, please email timothy.campbell@sdsymphony.org