We invite you to co-create the Warsaw Civic Choir (WChO), a unique project under the auspices of Ludwig van Beethoven, the most famous “citizen” among composers! With an extraordinary concert on May 13, 2024, on the stage of the Teatr Wielki – Polish National Opera, let’s celebrate together the 20th anniversary of Poland’s accession into the European Union and perform together Beethoven’s famous Symphony No. 9, 200 years since its premiere. Adults are invited to participate. Applications are being collected until April 7.
For the WChO we are recruiting people who are at least 18 years old at the time of registration for the project. 70 people will be accepted for 4 voices (soprano, alto, tenor and bass). They will be selected on the basis of two-stage auditions, conducted by a team led by Bartosz Michałowski, director of the Warsaw Philharmonic Choir.
The WChO selected in this way will join forces with the National Philharmonic Choir to perform on May 13 together under the baton of Henrik Nánási, alongside Sinfonia Varsovia and outstanding soloists: Iwona Sobotka (soprano), Agnieszka Rehlis (alto), Tadeusz Szlenkier (tenor) and Tomasz Konieczny (bass). Bartosz Michałowski will be responsible for preparing the choirs.
Registration for the project is done by filling out the registration form: (link)
Terms and conditions for auditions and participation: (link)
Audition agenda: (link)
Indicated excerpts from Ode to Joy required for both stages of the audition:
- soprano
- alto
- tenor
- bass
THE AUDITIONS:
Stage I – online:
Based on an audio-video recording containing the indicated excerpts from Ode to Joy performed at concert tempo:
- soprano: bars 655–729
- alto: bars 655–729 and 895–903
- tenor: bars 655–729 and 895–903
- bass: bars 655–729 and 895–903
A link to a private video on YouTube or similar site must be included in the appropriate section of the registration form. Recordings both a capella and with background music are accepted.
Closing date of the application: April 7, 2024, 11:59 pm.
Announcement of the first stage results: April 10, 2024 (via email sent to participants).
Stage II – live:
Auditions will be conducted in vocal octets accompanied by vocalists of the National Philharmonic Choir.
Audition date: April 13, 2024, 9:00am – 5:00pm.
Audition venue: Sala Kolumnowa (Choir rehearsal room) at the Warsaw Philharmonic, entrance from 5 Jasna Street.
- soprano: bars 655–729, 795–824 and 851-876
- alto: bars 655–729, 795–824, 851–876 and 895–903
- tenor: bars 411–431 (note: both tenor voices), 655–729, 795–824, 851–876 and 895–903
- bass: bars 411–431, 655–729, 795–824, 851–876 and 895–903
Announcement of the second stage results: April 16, 2024 (via email sent to participants, and then on Sinfonia Varsovia’s website and social media).
REHEARSAL SCHEDULE:
Rehearsals will take place in Warsaw. Please book the following dates:
- April 26 and 27, 2024, 6:00 – 9:00 pm
- May 6 and 8, 2024, 6:00 – 9:00 pm
- May 12, 2024, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm: tutti rehearsal with orchestra and soloists,
- May 13, 2024, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm: final rehearsal at the Teatr Wielki – Polish National Opera
7:00 pm: concert at the Teatr Wielki – Polish National Opera
