Salisbury Symphony

SALISBURY — Auditions begin Aug. 7 for a new chorus being formed by the Salisbury Symphony.

Symphony officials hope the chorus will engage a wider number of community members in the organization’s musical endeavors, provide talented singers in the region with an opportunity to perform in a first-rate ensemble and to ensure a group of high-quality singers are ready when major choral works are programmed.

The chorale will give six concerts over the next two seasons, working with six different directors, one of whom will be chosen the chorale director, starting with the 2019-20 season. Two classical favorites are planned for this 2017-18 season; a third, lighter concert will be presented in the spring.

The chorale’s first concert will be as part of the Reformation’s 500th anniversary celebration held at St. John’s Lutheran Church on Sept. 23 and jointly produced between the Salisbury Symphony and St. John’s Lutheran Church. For this first concert, the chorale will be prepared by former Charlotte Symphony Chorale Director David Tang. He will prepare the Bach Cantata No. 80, “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God.” The entire concert will consist of works based on this mighty hymn originally written by Martin Luther.

The chorale’s second concert will be the Christmas sections from Handel’s “Messiah,” prepared by Phillip Burgess.  Dates are to be confirmed.

David Hagy, music director of the Salisbury Symphony, says the Symphony Chorale will provide exciting opportunities for people who enjoy singing to prepare popular and classical choral pieces in a supportive environment.

“It will also bring a variety of music to Rowan audiences — some familiar, some new, some serious, some fun, some playful, some moving,” Hagy said. “Altogether I hope it will make a strong impact on both the group’s members and the community.”

Open auditions for singers will be held the evening of Monday, Aug. 7, at the First United Methodist Church.  Those interested in singing with the group should contact Chorale Coordinator Hunter Safrit, hsafrit@gmail.com, on or after July 17 to schedule a brief audition.

Singers are asked to prepare a short song that shows their voice quality, pitch and musicality. It should be with piano accompaniment, which they should bring.

While music reading skills are definitely preferred, those with limited skills who are capable of learning parts quickly are welcome. Those interested who are not available Aug. 7 should contact Safrit for an alternate audition.

Four principal singers — one soprano, one alto, one tenor and one bass — will be selected through the open audition process and hired by the chorale.  The four will prepare parts ahead of rehearsal to aid the section in learning their parts and will also serve as soloists at the September concert.  Those interested in these positions will audition at the same time but should prepare a classical song for their voice.

Several local choral directors, including Rosemary Kinard, Phillip Burgess and Matthew Brown, will hear auditions. Brown will accompany.

Six rehearsals for the first concert will be on two Monday and two Tuesday evenings beginning Aug. 21, with the final two rehearsals being the night dress rehearsal on Friday, Sept. 22, and Saturday afternoon, Sept. 23.

Remaining concerts over the next two years will be conducted by directors yet to be decided.

Choral directors who are interested should submit a one-page letter of interest with a resume to the Salisbury Symphony, Attn: David Hagy, P.O. Box 4264, Salisbury, 28145.