Adelaide Symphony Chorus
Be part of something special. Join the Adelaide Symphony Chorus for its inaugural 2027 season and share the joy of singing alongside the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra.
We warmly welcome singers from across Adelaide and regional South Australia to express their interest in this new musical community, with Beethoven’s magnificent Symphony No. 9 at the heart of our first season. Bring your voice, your passion, and your love of making music together – we’d love to hear from you.
“A chorus brings a resonance to music that orchestras cannot reproduce alone. Singing is one of the most human things we do. And we sing when we want to celebrate our togetherness. So when Beethoven invites the chorus to join the orchestra for the finale of his Ninth Symphony, he is inviting the whole of humanity to join together. We want to create a space within which the joy of music gains a reference point by who we are as human beings. Come and be part of the Adelaide Symphony Chorus, come and be part of the music, come and be part of something that none of us can achieve alone.”
– Chief Conductor, Mark Wigglesworth.
Register your Expression of Interest!
Ready to be part of something special? Take the first step towards joining the Adelaide Symphony Chorus in 2027 by submitting your Expression of Interest to audition. Read the FAQs below and review the rehearsal schedule to make sure you’re ready to be part of this exciting new musical community.
Rehearsal and Performance Schedule
Take a look at the preliminary rehearsal schedule below to get a sense of the time commitment involved. Please note that dates and times are subject to change.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Adelaide Symphony Chorus?
The Adelaide Symphony Chorus is a newly established symphonic chorus that performs alongside the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra in some of the world’s most thrilling choral-orchestral masterpieces. The ASC’s Chorusmaster is Christie Anderson.
Adelaide is renowned for its vibrant choral community, and the Adelaide Symphony Chorus brings together passionate singers from across metropolitan Adelaide and regional South Australia to share in the excitement of making music on a grand scale alongside the ASO’s professional musicians.
We warmly welcome singers from all choirs and singing backgrounds. The Adelaide Symphony Chorus is designed to complement and celebrate Adelaide’s thriving choral community, and we look forward to supporting and sharing the wonderful work of local choirs through our growing network of singers.
2027 marks the inaugural year of the Adelaide Symphony Chorus, launching with Beethoven’s magnificent Symphony No. 9 in November conducted by the ASO’s Chief Conductor, Mark Wigglesworth. Singers involved in the Beethoven project may also have the opportunity to participate in The Art of the Score in July, featuring Howard Shore’s iconic music from The Lord of the Rings.
What will I need to prepare for my audition?
Auditions are designed to be welcoming and supportive while allowing us to get to know your voice and musicianship.
You will be asked to:
– Participate in a series of vocal warm-ups which demonstrate your vocal tone and musicianship.
– Prepare selected excerpts from Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 and The Lord of the Rings.
The audition excerpts will be chosen by ASO Chief Conductor Mark Wigglesworth and Adelaide Symphony Chorus Master Christie Anderson and will be provided after registration once your audition time has been confirmed.
Who can express interest in joining the Adelaide Symphony Chorus?
Anyone with a love of singing, a commitment to musical excellence, and enthusiasm for making music with others is encouraged to submit an Expression of Interest.
Whether you sing with a local community choir, a chamber ensemble, a church choir, or have previous choral experience in another setting, we’d love to hear from you.
When and where will auditions take place?
Auditions will take place on Saturday 27 February and Saturday 6 March 2027, with morning and afternoon sessions available at Grainger Studio, 91 Hindley Street, Adelaide.
Audition times and materials will be sent to applicants on 15 February 2027.
Can singers under 18 years of age apply?
The Adelaide Symphony Chorus is primarily intended for adult singers aged 18 years and over.
However, if you are 16 or 17 years old and interested in auditioning, we encourage you to apply. We welcome applications from talented young singers who feel ready for this level of musical commitment.
Younger singers seeking high-level choral opportunities may also wish to explore youth ensembles such as Young Adelaide Voices, who will be performing as the Children’s Chorus in The Lord of the Rings project.
Do I need previous choir experience to audition?
Previous choir experience is highly desirable.
While formal music qualifications are not required, singers should have a confident singing voice, good musicality, and the ability to learn and prepare music independently between rehearsals.
Most importantly, we’re looking for singers who enjoy working collaboratively, are committed to preparation, and are excited about creating exceptional performances together.
What vocal parts are available, and what if I don’t know my vocal part?
We welcome applications from Sopranos, Altos, Tenors, and Basses.
Some repertoire may divide further into multiple parts, such as Soprano 1 and Soprano 2 or Alto 1 and Alto 2. If you’re uncertain where your voice best fits, don’t worry. During the application process, you may select more than one voice part if appropriate.
Your audition will help us assess your vocal range, tone, and comfort, and we will place you in the section that best suits your voice.
Can I audition with a friend?
Absolutely!
We understand that choirs are built on friendship, community, and the joy of singing together. If auditioning feels less daunting with a friend by your side, you’re welcome to attend and sing together during parts of the audition process.
All singers will be assessed individually, but we’re happy for friends to support one another. It doesn’t matter whether you sing the same part or different parts. We want the audition experience to feel encouraging, positive, and enjoyable.
What level of commitment is expected, including rehearsals and performances?
Adelaide Symphony Chorus members are expected to commit to regular rehearsals and all scheduled performances for each project.
As we work towards performances of the highest artistic standard, singers will be expected to:
– Attend rehearsals consistently
– Prepare music independently between rehearsals
– Arrive ready to contribute positively to the ensemble
– Communicate promptly if attendance issues arise
The Adelaide Symphony Chorus is a rewarding opportunity to perform major choral works with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra, and a strong commitment from every singer helps ensure a rewarding experience for the entire ensemble.
Are ASO Chorus members paid?
Being part of the Adelaide Symphony Chorus is a volunteer experience, with singers generously giving their time and talents to rehearsals and performances.
Adelaide Symphony Chorus members will also have access to special benefits, including discounts and complimentary ticket offers for selected ASO concerts.
How do I submit an Expression of Interest?
Complete the online Expression of Interest form by Monday 1 February 2027.
The form will ask for your contact details, vocal part, current or previous choir experience and audition availability. You’ll also have the opportunity to indicate your interest in other ASO projects.
What if I’m interested in auditioning but can’t attend any of the listed audition times?
Please complete the Expression of Interest form and select the option indicating that you’d like to audition but aren’t available for any of the listed times. We’ll do our best to arrange an additional audition opportunity if there is sufficient interest.
What happens after I submit my Expression of Interest?
Once you’ve submitted your Expression of Interest, you’ll receive your audition time and audition materials on 15 February 2027.
Auditions will take place on 27 February and 6 March 2027. Following auditions, we’ll be in touch with everyone by email to let you know the outcome. We’ll make sure all applicants hear from us, whether or not they’ve been offered a place in the Adelaide Symphony Chorus.
What if I have accessibility requirements?
We want the Adelaide Symphony Chorus to be as inclusive as possible. You can let us know about any access requirements in the Expression of Interest form, or contact us directly at chorus@aso.com.au to discuss any adjustments that may support your participation.