Join the Chorus
Fall 2025 Auditions
WHEN:
Monday, August 18, 7:30-9:30 p.m.
Thursday, September 4, 4:00-6:00 p.m.
Friday, September 5, 4:00-6:00 p.m.
WHERE:
Municipal Arts Center, 1119 5th St SW, Charlottesville
When you join The Oratorio Society, you are welcomed as a member of a close-knit, dedicated chorus that has delivered the highest caliber of performances to our community for over 50 years.
Auditions last roughly 10 minutes, and consist of the following, with an accompanist present:
Vocalizing to determine range and voice part
A brief rhythmic sight-singing excerpt
A brief melodic sight-singing excerpt
Singing a prepared piece of your choosing, or a familiar song suggested by the director
If you have any questions, concerns, or anxieties about the audition process, please reach out to our Chorus Chair, James Atkins (TOSVAChorusChair@gmail.com).
Scholarships Available!
TOSVA offers financial assistance to all accepted singers. If you audition and are invited to join the chorus, funds are available to assist with membership dues, music fees, and tux/dress expenses. TOSVA believes that financial hardship should not be a barrier to participation. Requests for assistance are submitted to the Executive Director who makes a recommendation to the Finance Committee for review.
Important Dates:
First Rehearsal - Monday, Sept. 8, 7:00p music distribution, 7:30-9:30p rehearsal at the Municipal Arts Center (MAC; 1119 5th St SW)
Fall Extra Saturday Rehearsal - Nov. 1, 1:00-4:00p
Dec. Concert Week (mandatory rehearsals): Monday, Dec. 15 - with orchestra at the MAC, 7:00-10:00p; Thursday, Dec. 18 – Dress rehearsal 7:00-10:00p at The Paramount Theater
Christmas at The Paramount Concerts (Saint-Saëns' Christmas Oratorio) - Saturday, Dec. 20, 2:30p and 7:30p
Rehearsals resume - Mon., January 12, 7:30-9:30p; new music distribution at 7:00p
March Concert Week (mandatory rehearsals): Monday, March 9, 7:00-10:00p at the MAC; Thursday, March 12, DRESS 7:00-10:00p
Together in Song Concert - Saturday, March 14, 2026, 10:00a-1:00p Workshop; 4:00p Concert
May (Mendelssohn’s Elijah) Concert Week/Concert: TBD
Joining the Chorus
Singing with us means becoming a part of a welcoming and supportive group, dedicated to growing together as artists. To learn more about what to expect from us, and what The Oratorio Society asks of you as part of your singing membership, please click below.
Our Ensemble
Our singers come from all walks of life, but we share an unending passion for great choral music. Combining our individual experiences in song allows us to connect with one another while having unique opportunities to share transformative performances with our community.
“The Oratorio Society is more than the sum of its parts. Working together to create beautiful music is intensely gratifying.”
— Oratorio Society Singer