Guelph Chamber Choir

Auditions for the 2021-22 Season

Guelph Chamber Choir is a welcoming, inclusive community of singers. We are an auditioned choir and are currently inviting new singers to join us for the 2021-22 season.

Auditions will be held over Zoom and will be scheduled individually during the summer. 

Please contact Artistic Director Dr. Charlene Pauls at pauls@guelphchamberchoir.ca for more information.

GCC Emerging Artist Program for 2021-22 Season

The Guelph Chamber Choir is a welcoming, award-winning, auditioned, mixed-voice choir that seeks to create a choral experience of the highest calibre. In addition to annual concerts of Handel’s “Messiah,” using period instruments on the River Run Centre stage, the choir sings programs drawing from a range of sources, such as new works by emerging Canadian composers, timeless pieces from the choral canon, and choral arrangements in a variety of styles. We are pleased to be featured in the Guelph Civic Museum’s year-long exhibit “Resonance: The Guelph Chamber Choir at 40” which runs until September 2021, and the GCC continues to be active in our community through partnerships, collaborations, and appearances at civic events. In addition to our subscription concert series, the GCC “Sing Out” program actively seeks music-making opportunities among our diverse Guelph population.

Program Description

The Guelph Chamber Choir is excited to launch a new program aimed at younger singers from as young as high school up to age 30. Successful applicants will be expected to attend all rehearsals and concerts and to arrive at rehearsals with repertoire prepared. “Emerging artists” will have their choir fees waived, and will receive a stipend of $25 for rehearsals, and $35 for concerts. Together with the Artistic Director, successful candidates will create a program designed uniquely for them. These could include opportunities for solo work, participation in small ensembles, addressing inclusivity within the choral context, development of social media presence, and leadership roles during rehearsals. We are particularly encouraging Tenors to apply for this position.

Regular Rehearsals take place on Monday evenings 7:30-9:45 PM. Our regular rehearsal space has been the Guelph Youth Music Centre, however, this season we may vary our rehearsal locations as needed.

Concert Dates (proposed):

August 27, 2021 – Guelph Civic Museum “Fourth Friday Concert Series” (In preparation, condensed rehearsals begin Sunday August 22)

October 2, 2021 – “Resurfacing through Song” – Rutter’s Requiem and music of memory and hope

November 28, 2021 – GCC Carol Concert

December 17, 18, 2021 – Handel’s “Messiah” (Friday fundraising Sing-along and Saturday Concert)

April 2, 2022 – “Side by Side” – Guelph Sings Together (Guelph Youth Singers, University of Guelph Choirs, Rainbow Chorus, and GCC in a choral gala on the River Run Centre stage)

 Emerging Artist Qualifications

*Experience singing in a choral or similar larger vocal ensemble.

*Strong musicianship and sight reading skills, and an interest in further developing these skills in a choral environment.

*Healthy vocal production.

*A commitment to the rehearsal and concert schedule for the 2021-22 season.

*A passion to explore avenues for meaningful connections through choral music is an asset.

Application

Interested candidates should email the following to pauls@guelphchamberchoir.ca

            *Curriculum vitae or resume

            *A recording of 2 contrasting selections (video or audio)

            *Phone contact for a reference person – no letter required

Application Deadline – July 10, 2021 (early applications are welcome)

All applications will be considered and will be confidential. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview and audition. Virtual Audition and Interview will be arranged individually during July 12-14, 2021.

Guelph Chamber Choir, HIV/AIDS Resources and Community Health (ARCH), the Yott Family, and supporters present 

“The Giving Tree”: An Evening for Marley Yott (1995-2020)

Monday, May 31, 2021, 7:30 PM (Live-streamed Event)

The recordings from the event are now posted on the GCC YouTube channel. Please check out our other videos & consider subscribing. 

We experienced the sudden passing of Marley Yott on June 3, 2020, and as we near the milestone of this loss, the Yott family, HIV/AIDS Resources & Community Health (ARCH), the Guelph Chamber Choir, and supporters invite you to the launch of two extraordinary films remembering and celebrating Marley’s life.

“The Giving Tree” is a short documentary touching on Marley’s love of singing, their mentorship to other trans people, their passion for knitting, and their unendingly generous spirit. A companion video will feature John Rutter’s setting of “The Lord Is My Shepherd,” presented by the Guelph Chamber Choir, with David Vanbiesbrouck, oboe; Sharlene Wallace, harp; and Christopher Dawes, organ. A Q & A panel session moderated by Michael Coren focused on the themes presented in the films will close our evening. 

While we mourn the loss of Marley, we also celebrate the quiet inspiration and impact of Marley’s life. Please join us on Monday, May 31 at 7:30 PM for this free virtual event.

Marley’s friend Andrew Kirkconnell has generously created two beautiful cocktails that represent Marley. The idea is that it is something to bring us all together; below are the ingredients so you can gather supplies before the event. The first is a take on a boilermaker called Marley’s Round and the mocktail Marley’s Mocktail is a spiced up ginger beer. 

1. Marley’s Round: Stir 1.5-2oz Jack Daniels over ice with 3 dashes orange bitters and 0.75oz Amaretto. Strain into a tall pint glass and top with Mill St. Vanilla Porter. Garnish with an expressed orange slice. Alternatively, build the drink in a chilled pint glass and serve.

2. Marley’s Mocktail: Add a squeeze each of lemon and lime juice into a chilled glass. Add two dashes of orange bitters and mix in half an ounce of honey. Add ice and top with ginger beer.

Register early for this free online event. The link will be sent on Monday, May 31st (a couple of hours before the start). Register here:  https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/guelph-chamber-choir/events/the-giving-tree-an-evening-for-marley-yott-1995-2020