Singing with the Symphony
The Vermont Symphony Orchestra is also home to a 100-member volunteer chorus, which was founded in 1993 by our Conductor Emeritus, Robert De Cormier. The first performance, Leonard Bernstein’s Chichester Psalms, took place in May 1994. Since then, the chorus has performed works from the classical, popular, folk, and contemporary repertoires in venues around the state. Our choral musicians, like those in the orchestra, travel from far and wide to be a part of this great organization. They are motivated by their love of choral music, the camaraderie of singing together, and ultimately, by the thrill of performing onstage with the orchestra.
The Vermont Symphony Orchestra Chorus, under the direction of José Daniel Flores-Caraballo, always welcomes new members in all voice ranges. Those interested in auditioning for the chorus, or needing more information, should be in touch with Chorus Coordinator Hannah Hansen at hannah@vso.org
José Daniel Flores-Caraballo, Chorus Director
Jeff Rehbach, Assistant Chorus Director
Tim Guiles, Rehearsal Pianist
Hannah Hansen, Chorus Coordinator
2023 Vocal Assessments
Vocal assessments will take place this fall. These assessments are for any current VSO Chorus members who would like to take part in any of the 2024 concerts, and is also open to singers new to the VSO Chorus who would like to join. Please note that all singers will need a vocal assessment in order to be a candidate for participation in the 2024 VSO Chorus concerts. These include the February 14, 2024 Farmers’ Night concert, May 4, 2024 VSO at the Flynn concert, and December 6-8 (TBC), 2024 Holiday Pops concerts. Please note that rehearsals for these performances are planned for the following dates: Jan 20, Jan 27, Feb 3, Feb 10 and Feb 14; Mar 30, Apr 6, Apr 13, Apr 27, May 3 and May 4.
The vocal assessments will be held on the following dates:
- On Saturday, September 16 in South Burlington between 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. at Faith United Methodist Church (899 Dorset Street).
- On Sunday, September 17 in Rutland between 12:00 and 5:00 p.m. at Grace Congregational UCC (8 Court Street)
- On Saturday, October 7 in South Burlington between 12:00 pm and 3:45 pm at Faith United Methodist Church (899 Dorset Street).
There is ample, free parking at both venues. Each singer will have up to seven minutes with Jose Daniel (Tim Guiles will accompany); please plan to arrive 10 minutes early. There will be a place where you can warm up as well at both venues. The assessment will consist of a simple vocalization to confirm vocal range and singing an excerpt from the Mozart Requiem.
If you would like to sign up for a vocal assessment, please click here to register your name, voice type, and to choose a date and time. Outcomes will be shared on an individual basis no later than October 31. If you have specific questions about the audition process, please email hannah@vso.org.