What to Expect

Thinking of Auditioning? If you have choral singing experience, the desire to learn, and motivation to contribute to an organization rapidly establishing itself as a leader in the local singing community, you are invited to request an audition with Rideau Chorale, one of Ottawa’s most exciting community choirs.

Rideau Chorale meets the needs of enthusiastic amateur choral singers seeking a challenging and stimulating singing environment in which to learn and grow as ensemble musicians. Typically, Rideau Chorale offers two or three performances each concert season, running from September through April, or sometimes until May or June.

Auditions​ normally take place once or twice a year. The ability to read music and a background in choral experience are definite assets. Auditions are normally conducted by the Music Director and may include an accompanist. In your audition, the Music Director will assess your range (soprano or alto, for example), and you will be asked to sing something you have prepared, a familiar piece (for example, O Canada!), and something the Music Director provides you (such as a Bach chorale) to gauge your level of experience and ability.

Rideau Chorale’s performances are well-marketed and well-produced, resulting in high-quality, favourably received public presentations that create lasting memories for all involved.

The choir is a registered charity governed by a volunteer board of directors whose strong stewardship of the organization has seen the ensemble grow in five years from a pick-up choir of non-auditioned enthusiasts to a robust chorus that has tackled such works as Duruflé’s Requiem, Handel’s Messiah, Mozart’s Requiem, Orff’s Carmina Burana and Vivaldi’s Gloria among other works.