Thank you for visiting the site of the Opera Carolina Chorus Association.  To visit Opera Carolina, visit www.OperaCarolina.org

About the Chorus

 (See Below for Auditions, Qualifications and Standards, Honorariums, and Complementary Tickets)
James Meena

The Opera Carolina Chorus is the locally-based performing ensemble of Opera Carolina. Comprised of individuals from throughout the community, members of the Opera Chorus share a love of singing and opera, and devote their volunteer time to performing with Opera Carolina.

As an avocation, singing with Opera Carolina can be a very rewarding experience. Not only do Opera Chorus members perform alongside some of the great artists of our time, including Denyce Graves, Vivica Genaux and Mark Delavan, but they build friendships and achieve a sense of accomplishment that only performing with a professional company can provide.

Under the direction of Principal Conductor James Meena, and Emily Urbanek, our Head of Music Preparation, Chorus members have the opportunity to sing in great operas like Aida and La bohème, and unknown jewels of the repertoire like Manon and The Pearl Fishers.

Emily Urbanek


Opera Carolina Chorus members are given priority consideration to perform supporting roles with the Opera, and are often featured in our productions. The Opera Carolina Chorus Association is the self-governing arm of the Opera Chorus, providing leadership and support for members, and organizing the special social events that make the Chorus more than just a performing group.
 
If you are looking for a rewarding musical and social experience, we encourage you to audition for the Opera Chorus!

 

Auditions
On Stage in Cinderella

Membership in the Opera Carolina Chorus is by audition only. New member auditions consist of singing one number of your choice, and a simple sight-singing test. Current members may be asked to re-audition each year.


Auditions were held on May 3rd, 2008

To request information on future audition dates, contact Erin Waters at 704-332-7177 ext 213 or e-mail: production@operacarolina.org.

 

Qualifications and Standards

People tend to misunderstand the musical and vocal qualifications for membership in the Opera Chorus. Singing experience from private lessons, or participation in other singing organizations such as concert choirs, church organizations, and school choirs is important. A good ear for languages is helpful as the Opera Chorus performs in the original language, with most operas being sung in Italian, French or German.

Opera Chorus members are encouraged to continue to grow as singers, either through private instruction or other performance opportunities, including solos and stage performance with other community groups.

More important than experience is one’s desire to learn and to develop the skills needed to be an excellent Opera Chorus member. The Opera Chorus is expected to perform at a high professional level. To ensure this level of performance, professional training and support is provided through the rehearsal process by the music staff.

 

Honorariums

Opera Carolina recognizes the time commitment required to be a successful member of the Opera Chorus. In recognition of the service of Opera Chorus members, the company provides an honorarium to each member for each production. Commencing with the 2008-09 season, honorariums are divided into categories, as follows:

Per Production Performed

First year member

$275

2nd through 5th year

$325

5th through 9th year

$400

10th year and above

$450

 

Complementary Tickets

On Stage in Margaret Garner

Opera Carolina makes every effort to provide complimentary tickets in an appropriate and meaningful way as a statement of our appreciation for those who bring their talents to our stage. Tickets for Opera Carolina productions are at a premium, and Opera Chorus members are asked to access complimentary and discounted tickets with the realization that the company needs to have as many seats available for sale as is possible.