Bach Choir, Bel Canto Youth Chorus slate auditions

As Artistic Director and Conductor Greg Funfgeld begins his final season, The Bach Choir of Bethlehem will hold new member auditions by appointment on Sept. 2, 3, and 4, at the Heckewelder House, 440 Heckewelder Place, Bethlehem.
Singers accepted into the internationally known choir will participate in four concerts during the 2021-2022 Concert Season, as well as the 114th Bethlehem Bach Festival.
They will also have the option to participate in The Choir’s acclaimed Bach to School and Bach at Noon educational/community outreach programs.
All members of The Choir must be vaccinated to participate this season.
The audition consists of each singer performing one or two songs or arias of their choice along with some vocalization and sight-reading. An accompanist is provided.
High School vocalists are encouraged to audition for the Choral Scholars program, which for the coming season will have “an exceptional year of musical training and an unforgettable experience.”
During the upcoming season, the choir will perform at the following concerts: Christmas Concerts, Dec. 11 and 12; Family Concert, Feb. 27; Spring Concert, March 27; and 114th Bethlehem Bach Festival, May 13, 14, 20 and 21.
The repertoire includes: “Handel’s Messiah, Part 2,” “Bach’s Christmas Oratorio, Parts 1, 2 and 3,” “Saint Matthew Passion” and the “Mass in B Minor.”

Audition times are: 4 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 2; 4 to 6:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 3; and 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 4.
Weekly rehearsals are held on Mondays from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Bethlehem and will follow The Choir’s COVID-19 protocol for safety.
Audition information is available on the Bach website, bach.org/audition. Call Mike DeCrosta to schedule your audition at 610-866-4382 x110 or email mike@bach.org.
The Bel Canto Youth Chorus is also holding auditions through Sept. 9, via ZOOM or in person at Heckewelder House. Founded in 1993 and comprised of auditioned treble singers, The Bel Canto Youth Chorus has developed an international reputation for performing diversified choral repertoire at the highest standard of musical excellence and style.
Dr. Joy Hirokawa, founder and director, will hold auditions for new singers, ages 8 to 17. Auditions are low-key, require no preparation, and are completed on Zoom or in-person.
The Preparatory Chorus is open to singers in grades 3 to 7 with unchanged voices. Lively instruction includes movement, vocal exploration, and musicianship, all taught through the lens of the music they are learning. Rehearsals are weekly for 75 minutes. No experience is necessary. Rehearsals offer individual attention utilizing COVID-19 safety guidelines for in-person sessions, as well as in the virtual environment.
To learn more or to schedule an audition, call 610-866-4342, x116, or email belcanto@bach.org.

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