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Vox Humana Chamber Choir is welcoming applicants for paid core section lead singers, as well as section singers of all voice voice types.

PAID CORE SECTION LEADS

WHO WE’RE LOOKING FOR

Vox Humana is looking for strong singers of all four voice types, able to provide the core vocal leadership of an auditioned ensemble of talented singers performing to a high standard.

Interested candidates are expected to:

  • have an innate musicality

  • have experience singing in a classical chamber choir, the ability to perform one-to-a-part, and familiarity with the styles and approaches used in classical choral singing

  • be good sight readers, or have excellent quick-study skills

  • commit to the rehearsal and concert schedule

  • be excited about new music and expanding the choral repertoire

CONTRACT DUTIES

Attend all services as contracted, and perform all selected music in rehearsal and concert. Be warmed up and ready to start all services on time. Be thoroughly prepared for all rehearsals, including reviewing music ahead of time. Respect and follow any policies of the choir including regarding performance expectations.

PAYMENT AND COMMITMENT

Compensation is based on a rate of $30/hr. Typical commitment for a performance patch would be around six rehearsals, and one or two performances, for a total of about 16 hours. Vox usually prepares three main performances per season, one in early September with an intensive rehearsal schedule in the week or two preceding; one just before Christmas; and one in the Spring. Rehearsals are primarily Monday nights in downtown Victoria, though this can vary somewhat depending on the project; for some concerts there are intensive rehearsal periods just before the show. Core singers are expected to be available for the main season concerts and rehearsals, and preference will be given to candidates who are able to make this commitment. Additionally, there may be further contracted performances (e.g. for external organisations such as the Victoria Symphony) for which the core singers will have right of first refusal.

The appointment is for a period of up to two seasons (i.e., until the end of the 25/26 season), after which positions are subject to re-audition.

AUDITIONS – September 16th and 23rd, 2024.

HOW TO APPLY:

Send an email to admin@voxhumanachoir.ca or david@voxhumanachoir.ca, including information about your choral and vocal experience.

Auditions will be approximately 25 minutes long, and include:

  • performance of a solo song of the candidate’s own choosing

  • performance of a prepared excerpt of choral repertoire

  • sight reading

  • vocalising, for range, dynamics, vowels, etc

  • a short interview/chat

SECTION SINGERS

We continue to invite prospective singers for the 2024-25 season to audition.

WHO WE’RE LOOKING FOR

We’re primarily seeking singers who are able to commit to the entire season, but there is sometimes a need for extras and substitute singers as well. All voice types are encouraged to enquire, though typically there is a greater need for altos, tenors, and basses. Vox usually prepares three main performances per season, one in early September with an intensive rehearsal schedule in the week or two preceding; one just before Christmas; and one in the Spring. There is also the possibility of further performances from time to time, e.g. with the Victoria Symphony. Rehearsals are primarily Monday nights in downtown Victoria (though this can vary according to the project, e.g. for dress rehearsals etc).

Prospective singers should have:

  • a good sense of choral style and innate musicality

  • excellent music-reading skills

  • an interest in new music and expanding the choral repertoire

HOW TO APPLY:

Send an email to admin@voxhumanachoir.ca or david@voxhumanachoir.ca including either a short musical resume or a summary of your vocal and choral experience and training. Auditions are held throughout the year as needed, and include sight reading and/or quick-study, vocalising, and a short chat/interview.

Vox Humana Chamber Choir

Vox Humana (Latin for human voice) was founded by organist and choral conductor Sarah MacDonald, now a Fellow of Selwyn College, Cambridge, and Director of Music of the choir there. Starting as a project choir in the 1990s, Vox Humana has developed under the subsequent leadership of Garth MacPhee, Wendy McMillan, Brian Wismath, and David Stratkauskas, who was appointed Artistic Director in February 2022.  

Vox Humana has gone from a relatively small group of no more than sixteen voices singing a cappella repertoire to a group of approximately twenty-four singers that frequently collaborates with soloists, small instrumental ensembles, other choirs, and orchestras; since 2004 they have been frequent guests of the Victoria Symphony. New music has taken a central place in Vox’s repertoire, with frequent commissions and an emphasis on Canadian composers, as well as works not yet heard in Canada. Currently, Vox produces several programmes per season; two of these have become popular annual traditions. Vox in the Stars takes place in the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory in Saanich, BC. The other is a dramatic reading of Dylan Thomas’s A Child’s Christmas in Wales, in a concert of seasonal music, along with new carols and arrangements from local composers.