Staff Singers (Stamford, CT)
The Basilica of Saint John the Evangelist in Stamford, CT has immediate openings for alto, tenor, and bass singers in its 8-voice professional Schola. Those auditioning will be considered for regular positions in the 2019-2020 season as well as a place on the sub list.
The Schola sings liturgical music spanning several centuries including Gregorian chant, Renaissance polyphony, Viennese orchestral Masses (with the Philharmonia Orchestra of New York), and contemporary composers. The choir sings a polyphonic setting of the Mass Ordinary, motets, anthems, and Gregorian propers weekly. The Schola also serves as the core of the Basilica Choir which sings for all major feast days and orchestral Masses throughout the year.
The season begins September 1 and ends on Corpus Christi (mid-June). The Schola rehearses Sunday morning at 10:50 am for the 12:00 pm Solemn Mass. There are no weeknight rehearsals. Additional rehearsals may be scheduled occasionally throughout the year, but prior notice will be given. Additional calls for weddings and funerals are available throughout the year. Singers are paid a competitive stipend per call.
Christmas Eve Midnight Mass and Holy Week/Easter are required for full positions. Excellent skill in sight reading and the desire to sing in a chamber ensemble are of utmost importance. Extensive choral experience is necessary.
The Basilica is in downtown Stamford, CT and is easily accessible by public transit.
The ideal singer is:
-a capable soloist
-an experienced ensemble singer
-comfortable adapting style to the period and to his/her section
-a self-sufficient musician and quick learner who enjoys challenging repertoire
-willing and able to sing one-per-part when required
-happily flexible
-a good and friendly colleague
-respectful of the religious context
-available for the vast majority of all calls, including Christmas Eve, Holy Week, Easter, etc.
Singers are sent scores and detailed information in advance (via email) and are expected to come prepared. Each person is expected to know his/her skills, and to spend as much time in preparation as necessary. Excellent sight-readers will spend much less time in preparation than average sight-readers, but the standard, once we gather for rehearsal, is the same for all.