Celebrating Choral Excellence

Singing is a joyful experience, and singing together is a celebration. The Singapore Symphony Chorus (SSC) offers talented and passionate choristers a platform to come together to perform great symphonic works at the highest standards. In coming together with their shared love for music, the Chorus is a warm community of like-minded choristers that represent the pinnacle of choral excellence in Singapore.

Since its first performance on 13 June 1980, the Chorus has established itself as one of the finest symphony choruses in the region. The Chorus has performed with renowned conductors including Okko Kamu, Lan Shui, Lim Yau, Masaaki Suzuki and Sofi Jeannin – amassing a wide repertoire such as Rachmaninoff’s The Bells, Arvo Pärt’s Te Deum, Britten’s War Requiem, and Bach’s St John Passion, amongst others.

Eudenice Palaruan Choral Director
Shane Thio rehearsal pianist

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

For further enquiries, please contact the Choral department at 6602 4241/4248 or email choral@sso.org.sg.

Wonderful news, our choirs have made a full return to live rehearsals following the new measures! As we gear up for an exciting new season, you may revisit our musical moments, on the Singapore Symphony Orchestra and Choruses’ YouTube channel, our  Spotify page and our  recordings.

How are choir rehearsals conducted?
Our rehearsals are conducted live at the Victoria Concert Hall. With safe management measures still observed, each session consists of a combination of sectionals, small group singing and score study sessions. Rehearsals are focused primarily on vocal development and future concert preparations.

What are rehearsal times like?
The Singapore Symphony Chorus and Youth Choir rehearse weekly on Monday evenings, and the Children’s Choir, on Saturdays. Do refer to each choir’s FAQs for specific rehearsal schedules and times.

I’m interested. Are auditions for the Singapore Symphony Choruses still open?
Yes! The Singapore Symphony Chorus and Youth Choir (SSYC) continue to run open auditions weekly while the Singapore Symphony Children’s Choir (SSCC) conduct yearly auditions between late September to early October; keep your eyes peeled for our announcements!

Keen or have questions? Drop us an email at choral@sso.org.sg.

What are choir auditions like?
With our choirs recent return to live rehearsals, auditions will be done live and in-person.

For SSC and SSYC, auditions are conducted in 2 parts: sit-ins and auditions. You will get to sit-in for a live rehearsal with the respective ensembles, then assessed on a following date, in a live audition.

For SSCC, applicants with successful registrations will be allocated audition timeslots, along with information on the audition venue. Do refer to the SSCC Auditions event page for more information!

What kind of music does the choir sing?
In addition to our main repertoire of symphonic choral masterpieces, our choristers are also exposed to a diverse range of world music and iconic choral pieces.

Where and when do we rehearse?
Rehearsals are held weekly at the Victoria Concert Hall, every Monday from 7.30pm to 10.15pm. Closer to performance dates, we run additional rehearsals on Thursday evenings and during concert week, consecutive weeknights.

How many projects am I expected to sing in?
Most of our choristers try to do all of them to maximise their experience with us. We recognise that our members lead busy lives, but we do ask all to commit fully to rehearsals and attending them. Professionalism and diligence will help us progress more effectively during rehearsals.

What performance opportunities will I get with the choir?
The choir regularly records and performs with the Singapore Symphony Orchestra, alongside the Singapore Symphony Youth and Children’s Choirs, as well as in independent projects. We most recently recorded Borodin’s Polovtsian Dances and presented in the SSO Baroque Festival with esteemed conductor, Sofi Jeannin.

Who are we looking for?
We are on the lookout for singers in every section, Soprano, Alto, Tenor and Bass. If you can read music, have experience in choral singing, and would like to continue performing choral masterpieces at the highest level, we’d love to hear from you. We do need prospective members to be literate in music theory and proficient sight-readers because of our busy and varied concert schedule. Our choristers may at times, also be required to remain standing throughout performances, which could last up to 60 minutes or more.

I’m interested, how can I get in touch?
We’d love to hear from you! Do email a copy of the completed audition form to us at choral@sso.org.sg.

Is there an audition?
Yes, although it is not an overly formal process. The Choral Director needs to run the process to determine your vocal range and place you in the appropriate section(s), as well as to ascertain your readiness to sing with us in concerts. Don’t Strauss it, we’ve got your Bach.

What can I expect in an audition?
Do prepare a song of any language (preferably classical, choral or any vocal work you are familiar with), not exceeding four minutes. You may choose to sing a cappella or bring a spare score if you require piano accompaniment. To determine your vocal range and music reading ability, we will also want to hear you sing some scales and vocal exercises, and will provide some sight-reading material.

May I join in for a rehearsal before I audition?
We welcome all prospective members to first come by for a sit-in, sing alongside the chorus for an evening rehearsal, before you make decision that the Singapore Symphony Chorus is a group suitable for you. Do email a copy of the completed audition form to choral@sso.org.sg and we will get in touch with arrangements.

When and where are auditions held?
Ad-hoc auditions are held throughout the season, and are typically just before a rehearsal session. We may hold off auditions nearer to performance dates, to concentrate on concert pieces. Once we’ve received your application, the choral administration will get in touch with more information including venue and details of a sit-in and audition slot.

What happens after my audition?
We will write to you within a week after the audition, to let you know if you have successfully secured a placement in the choir. A membership fee applies upon the acceptance of the offer. You may refer to the Singapore Symphony Chorus Handbook for more info.