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Chorus
About the Colorado Symphony Chorus
The Colorado Symphony’s 2023/24 Season marks the 40th year of the Colorado Symphony Chorus. Founded in 1984 by Duain Wolfe, our chorus has earned a reputation as one of the finest symphonic choruses in the United States. This acclaimed chorus is featured with the Colorado Symphony in over twenty performances annually at Boettcher Concert Hall and across the Rocky Mountain region, most notably with Bravo! Vail and the Aspen Music Festival, singing with such orchestras as the New York Philharmonic, and the Philadelphia Orchestra. For over two decades, the Chorus has been featured each summer at the world-renowned Aspen and Vail music festivals, performing masterworks under the baton of notable conductors such as Yannick Nézet-Séguin, Alan Gilbert, Murry Sidlin, Robert Spano, and Jaap VanZweden.
At home, the chorus performs under the direction of Colorado Symphony Principal Conductor Peter Oundjian, Associate Conductor Christopher Dragon, Chorus Director Duain Wolfe, and guest conductors from around the world.
In 2009, Duain Wolfe conducted the chorus on a 3-country, 2-week concert tour of Europe, in celebration of the 25th anniversary of the chorus, presenting the Verdi REQUIEM in Budapest, Vienna, Litomysl, and Prague. In 2016, the chorus returned to Europe for concerts in Paris, Strasbourg, and Munich. During the summer of 2022, the Chorus conducted a two-week multi-city tour performing renowned works at the Stephansdom in Vienna, St. Giles Cathedral in Graz, and the Salzburg Cathedral for the opening of the International Salzburg Music Festival.
Auditions for the 2023/24 Season will take place on Tuesday, August 29th beginning at 7pm, at Trinity United Methodist Church.
Chorus Leadership
Duain Wolfe, Founding Director and Conductor
Mary Louise Burke, Principal Associate Director and Conductor
Taylor Martin, Associate Director and Conductor
Jared Joseph, Conducting Intern
Eric Israelson, Chorus Manager
Barbara Porter, Associate Manager
Hsiao-Ling Lin, Pianist
ShaoChun Tsai, Pianist
Our symphonic chorus is comprised of volunteer singers over age 21. From Evergreen to Brighton, and Boulder to Castle Rock, singers travel each week to rehearsals and performances in Denver.
Regular weekly rehearsals are Tuesday evenings 7:00-9:30 PM at Trinity United Methodist Church in downtown Denver, 18th Street and Broadway. Parking is available for Chorus members in a nearby parking garage after 4:00 p.m.
Concert week rehearsals: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday rehearsals with orchestra; Friday, Saturday, and sometimes Sunday concerts. Concerts are at Boettcher Concert Hall at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, 14th and Curtis Streets. Free parking passes are provided for most rehearsals and concerts at Boettcher Concert Hall.
Occasional summer rehearsals are scheduled as needed for festival projects (mentioned above) and are generally Monday or Tuesday evening.
In order to maintain high artistic standards, members are expected to be at all rehearsals and concerts. (Exceptions are made for illness and family emergencies or obligations.) Membership in the chorus is a significant commitment; members are encouraged to study the full schedule and commit to the full season.
Colorado Symphony Chorus auditions are brief and include the following elements:
- A prepared number — a song, art song, or aria (oratorio, opera) sung in any language (no pop songs, show tunes, hymns, or choral parts).
- Memorization is not required. A pianist is provided.
- Bring a second copy of the music for the pianist.
- A short sight singing exercise.
- A brief exercise to demonstrate ability to follow a conductor.
- Vocalizing to demonstrate vocal color and range.
A chorus member must be at least 21 years of age.
Auditions for the 2023/24 Season will take place on Tuesday, August 29th beginning at 7pm, at Trinity United Methodist Church.
To schedule an audition, complete the form below or contact Chorus Manager Eric Israelson at eisraelson@coloradosymphony.org. Please include your name, voice part, phone number, and the name and composer of your audition selection. We welcome all questions concerning the chorus, the schedule, and/or your audition.
The Chorus sings principally the music of great masters, including oratorios, masses, requiems, operas, and symphonies. The chorus also performs world premieres, special commissions, pops concerts (optional), and commercially produced recordings.