St. Charles Singers Auditions August 4, 2009

The St. Charles Singers, an international concert and recording ensemble based in Chicago’s western suburbs, will hold auditions in early August for positions in its soprano, alto, tenor, and bass sections for the 2009–2010 concert season, which founder and artistic director Jeffrey Hunt promises will be “a spectacular season for a stellar ensemble.”

Auditions for singers will be held from 6–9 p.m. on Tuesday, August 4, and Wednesday, August 5, at Baker Memorial United Methodist Church, 307 Cedar Ave., St. Charles. Prior choral singing experience is required. Sign-up information and complete audition requirements are available on the ensemble’s Web site at http://www.stcharlessingers.com and by calling (630) 584-4251.

Members of the mixed-voice chamber choir of approximately 30 singers are paid for all rehearsals as well as concert appearances.

In addition to performing in St. Charles and Wheaton, the St. Charles Singers will give two concerts in downtown Chicago this season, one under the direction of England’s esteemed John Rutter, widely considered the greatest living choral composer in the English-speaking world. The ensemble will launch its Mozart Journey, a six-year initiative to present all of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s sacred choral music. They will also make a guest appearance with the Elgin Symphony Orchestra in performances of Antonio Vivaldi’s "Gloria" at the Hemmens Theatre in Elgin. The season begins December 5–6 with the ensemble’s traditional Candlelight Carols holiday concerts.

About The St. Charles Singers

Founded by Hunt in 1984, the St. Charles Singers is one of America’s preeminent choral groups.

Originally known as the Mostly Madrigal Singers, the mixed choir became the St. Charles Singers in 1998.

The ensemble made its major-label recording debut in 2008 on the internationally-distributed Naxos label, performing Aaron Copland’s "Old American Songs" on an all-Copland disc with the Elgin Symphony Orchestra conducted by Robert Hanson. American Record Guide’s CD review praised the St. Charles Singers’ “warmth and commitment. Neither conductor nor singers condescend to the music, but simply present the songs as the simple, tuneful, enjoyable works they are.” England’s MusicWeb International said, “It’s the chorus that makes these arrangements stand out; their bright, focused sound is invariably pleasing.”

In addition to the Copland CD, its discography also includes two commercial CDs on the Proteus label and three self-produced CDs. “They never fail to touch the heart while pleasing the ear,” said American Record Guide in its review of the vocal ensemble’s "Christmas in St. Charles" CD on the Proteus label. England’s Gramophone magazine noted their “impeccable vocal blend . . . and clear precise diction.” In a CD review, ClassicsToday.com called the St. Charles Singers “one of North America’s outstanding choirs,” citing “charisma and top-notch musicianship” that “bring character and excitement to each piece.”

The choir has performed with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and conductor James Conlon at the Ravinia Festival and has toured professionally in England and France.

The St. Charles Singers were featured on WTTW-TV’s "Arts Across Illinois" program in November 2008 and made their live radio debut the following month on WFMT-FM’s "Live from WFMT" program.