Seeking choral singers across the northeast – all voice parts (SATB)

Ensemble Companio, an award-winning chamber choir drawing membership from across the Northeastern region, is accepting auditions for soprano, alto, tenor, and bass voices. Ensemble Companio lives out its mission “to build bridges between people through authentic, inspiring performances of the finest choral music” through its fresh programming, inspiring collaborations, and uniquely accessible model. A particular draw is the frequent performance of works by living composers, especially those from historically under-represented communities.

Ensemble Companio takes its name from a Latin form of “companion”, the etymology of which is “one with whom one shares bread.” The name reflects the musicians’ belief that sharing in choral music, like the sharing of food, is an essential, nourishing, and healing experience.

Led by Artistic Director Erik Peregrine and entering its twelfth season, Ensemble Companio was a finalist for both the 2017-2018 American Prize in Choral Performance (community division) and the 2017-2018 Ernst Bacon Memorial Prize for the Performance of American Music. Ensemble Companio won the 2012 American Prize in Choral Performance, and has hosted such luminaries as Alice Parker and Matthew Oltman as clinicians.

Life as a Companio

This unique traveling choir meets ten weekends per concert season (September through May) for weekend-long rehearsals and concerts. For many singers, this provides greater flexibility than the traditional weekly rehearsal model. However, this setup requires greater individual responsibility as singers are expected to study and memorize music between monthly rehearsals. This commitment is crucial to Ensemble Companio’s musical excellence and close camaraderie.

Rehearsals and concerts take place in a rotating set of locations across the northeast including New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania. Members organize their own travel logistics, but we strive to help provide housing and travel support whenever and wherever possible. Carpooling and homestays are typical, chorus sections take turns providing Saturday lunches, and members often spend the Saturday evening of rehearsal weekends socializing together.

Ensemble Companio attracts a diverse community of highly dedicated, exemplary musicians from a variety of professions who are unified in their passion for the power of choral singing. Open to adult singers 21 years and older, Ensemble Companio’s dynamic structure is ideal for young professionals, recent graduates, and parents searching for a high-quality post-collegiate choral experience.

How to Audition

To audition for Ensemble Companio, email our Ensemble Advocate Elena Gregorio at . Elena will give you an overview of the choir and upcoming season and walk you through the audition process, which involves recording vocal exercises and musical excerpts for evaluation by our Artistic Director. Audition materials will be considered on a rolling basis until the deadline of Sunday, August 21, 2022 at 11:59pm EST.

To hear Ensemble Companio in action, please visit us on social media, SoundCloud, or our website at www.ensemblecompanio.org to learn more about us. We look forward to hearing from you soon!