Membership in the Richmond Symphony Chorus is by audition only. Auditions are typically held in August. The Chorus is an all-volunteer ensemble, and previous choral experience is required. 

The Richmond Symphony Chorus rehearses every Tuesday evening (generally 7:00-9:30) at Epiphany Lutheran Church, 1400 Horsepen Road, or Dominion Energy Center, 612 East Grace Street, in Richmond.  
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The Chorus performs several programs each year, with additional rehearsals scheduled during performance weeks. Members also regularly participate in both small and large ensemble performances and are frequently invited to perform at civic events, local sporting events, the Capitol, and recording projects with the symphony.

​To see the 2025-2026 chorus season, click here.
Update, August 15:
​Auditions for the 2025-26 season have now closed.
​Information for 2026-27 auditions will be posted soon.

Audition Process

Before Your Audition

1. FILL OUT THE AUDITION FORM:  Click the button to the right, then complete and submit the audition questionnaire.
2. USE THE INFORMATION AND LINKS BELOW TO PREPARE FOR THE AUDITION:  The comprehensive audition process involves both group and solo singing and an assessment of languages, rhythm, and ear training.

On Audition Day

  • What you’ll do: perform prepared repertoire, vocalizing, and brief checks in rhythm, ear training, and language (see details and materials below).
  • Format: first 10 minutes in a group/choral setting, then short individual visits to rooms for each skill area.
  • Timing: we aim to finish within one hour; there may be brief waits between sessions—feel free to bring a quiet activity.
  • Atmosphere: our members and committee understand audition nerves and will do their best to put you at ease—and maybe even help you to enjoy it!
  • Questions? Contact chorus manager Janice Guzman at ​[email protected].

In a Group

CHORAL EXCERPT:
The Choral Excerpt for 2026-27 auditions will be announced soon.

Individually

VOCALIZATION
You will meet with our chorus director, our assistant director, our accompanist, and our four friendly and encouraging section leaders.  You may be asked to do any or all of the following:
  • sing “My Country ‘tis of Thee,” with piano accompaniment, beginning on various pitches; lyrics will be provided on request 
  • sing through the prepared repertoire selection with the four section leaders joining you.  
  • perform warm-up style vocal exercises, to determine your range​
EAR TRAINING 
A member of our Chorus will play a series of pitches on the piano and ask you to sing those back to evaluate how well you hear intervals.
RHYTHM SKILLS
You will meet with a member of the Chorus to sing the rhythm exercise you prepared on your own (linked below). You will sing the exercise on a comfortable pitch, either count-singing or using a syllable of your choice (such as “dee” or “da”).  When you arrive for your audition, you will receive a second rhythm exercise to study and sing as well.  
LANGUAGE
You will meet with another member of the Chorus who will listen to you speak the foreign language text you prepared prior to the audition and may coach you to improve your pronunciation.  This is not to assess how well you understand foreign languages, but rather your ability to quickly adjust your diction while rehearsing foreign language lyrics in a choral setting.