The Victoria Choral Society, a cornerstone of Victoria's performing arts scene for nine decades, is holding auditions for all voice sections in late August and early September. This mixed-voice symphonic choir, directed by Brian Wismath, is known for presenting a wide range of choral music from baroque to contemporary and is inviting skilled singers to join their ranks.
Interested singers can arrange auditions by contacting Membership Support at membership@victoriachoralsociety.ca. VCS is offering free membership for singers 25 and under!
In celebration of their 90th anniversary, the society is offering special incentives, including complimentary tickets for VCS alumni to their upcoming Mozart Requiem concert on Nov. 16 at Victoria's Christ Church Cathedral.
The choir rehearses every Tuesday evening from September to May at Oak Bay United Church. Members are expected to attend all rehearsals and performances, with a yearly membership fee of $250 (plus a refundable $40 music deposit). Bursaries are available for those who need financial assistance.
The 2024-2025 season will feature three major performances:
1. Mozart's Requiem in November at Christ Church Cathedral (tickets available at a later date);
2. Carl Orff's Carmina Burana in March at the Royal Theatre, a unique collaboration with Ballet Victoria combining choral music with dance (tickets starting at $34.75);
3. Beethoven's 9th Symphony in May at the UVic Farquhar Auditorium, performed with the Victoria Chamber Orchestra (tickets available at a later date).
The society is also launching a fundraising campaign, encouraging supporters to donate "$90 for 90 years", for which a tax receipt will be issued. These funds will help sustain their mission of performing choral masterworks with local orchestras, including members of the Victoria Symphony and ensure the continuation of high-quality performances for years to come.
Founded in 1934, the Victoria Choral Society has played a leading role in Victoria's cultural life and has performed with every Victoria Symphony conductor since the Symphony's inception. The choir is a member of the BC Choral Federation, the Association of Canadian Choral Communities, and Chorus America.
For more information or to purchase tickets for upcoming performances, visit their website at victoriachoralsociety.ca.
