“The Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh is dedicated to performing at the highest musical standards.”

MEMBERSHIP

Commitment and Preparation
A choir is more than an assembly of individual singers, it’s an ensemble. “Ensemble” is the French word for “together”; we need, by definition, to work together, regularly. Membership in the MCP therefore reflects a commitment to attending all rehearsals. Rehearsals are not about learning notes, they are about creating ensemble (that word again) and above all, making music. Singers are expected to learn their notes and rhythms before rehearsal.

Rehearsals are held Wednesdays from 7:30 PM to 10:00 PM at Heinz Hall, with additional rehearsals during the week of a concert.

AUDITIONS
Auditions are held regularly in the spring and early fall, and periodically throughout the season as vacancies occur. Please call 412-561-3353 or e-mail mcp1908@verizon.net to schedule an appointment. We'd love to have you sing with us!

Volunteer Member Auditions
Please prepare one solo in any language, ideally from the oratorio, art song, or opera repertoire. Memorization is not a requirement, though people sing with more ease and expression when the music is mastered. You will also be asked to sight-sing a choral excerpt, vocalize, sing chromatic and/or whole tone scales, and perform tonal memory exercises (sing back phrases played on the piano).

Professional Core Member Auditions
Singers interested in auditioning for the professional core are asked to submit a résumé before scheduling an audition. Headshots are not needed.

Please prepare three solos in contrasting languages, styles and tempi (maximum total of 12 minutes of music; need not be memorized). You will also be asked to sight-sing, vocalize, sing chromatic and/or whole tone scales, sing prepared choral excerpts, read aloud short texts in Latin, German and French, and take a short written theory exam.

Core Prepared Excerpts
From Handel's Messiah
Sopranos: "For unto us a child is born", m. 13-18; "And He shall purify", m. 15-18
Altos: "For unto us a child is born", m. 56-61; "And He shall purify", m. 13-15
Tenors: "For unto us a child is born", m. 38-40; "And He shall purify", m. 41-45
Basses: "For unto usa child is born", m. 19-24; "And He shall purify", m. 5-10

ALL AUDITIONEES
Please bring a copy of the your music in a binder for the accompanist.

ALL MEMBERS RE-AUDITION ANNUALLY.

THE PROFESSSIONAL CORE
Members of the professional core are compensated for two instructional rehearsals, the conductor’s piano rehearsal, orchestra rehearsals and performances. They are expected to attend all instructional rehearsals held during the season for each concert period.

For more information call 412-561-3353 or e-mail mcp1908@verizon.net