Opera Chorus
Who is the Pensacola Opera Chorus?
The Opera Chorus is a group of enthusiastic volunteer performers, who join us for mainstage productions, community events, and concert productions throughout the season. We have members of the Chorus who have sung in over fifty productions, as well as new members joining us each year. The Opera Chorus is a vital part of every mainstage production, serving as a large group of singing actors, interacting with the principal artists, and promoting our performances throughout the community.
About the Opera Chorus
In addition to their work on our mainstage productions, the Opera Chorus also participates in a series of community engagement and volunteer opportunities throughout the year. They regularly serve as holiday carolers in December, as well as appearing alongside the Artists in Residence at “Pours & Encores” events in bars and breweries around town.
Our Opera Chorus is made up of a wide variety of people, who come to us from all around the area and from all walks of life. These are people who love to sing and are great team players. While we do add new members to our ranks every year, we also have a few dedicated Opera Chorus members who have performed in over fifty productions!
The role of the chorus in any opera production is one of the utmost importance. These singers take part in many scenes, interacting with the principal characters and setting the tone for the entire cast. Many of opera’s most beloved titles feature large ensemble sections, such as the “Anvil Chorus” in Il trovatore or the Brindisi in La traviata. In addition to their vocal forces, the chorus also serves an important role in creating action on stage. For example, Pensacola Opera Chorus members recently created a stunning river effect in our 2019 production of Florencia in the Amazon, even when they weren’t singing!
2021-22 Opera Chorus
Soprano
Theresa Conner
Laura Dees
Mary Holway
Haley Jensen
Hannah Moore
Jessica Reeves
Sylvia Rockwell
Anne-Marie Schoonover
Ting Wang
Alto
Jennifer Adkins
Evelyn Aguirre
Chelsea Alberda
Saira Carr
Holly Caverly
Jessica Gillett
Elise Gordon
Vivian Luce
Corinne Moore
Tenor
Brian Swan
Susan Ward
Greg Watson
Evan Wheeler
Kalani Yen
Baritone/Bass
Stu Bugg
Curtis Cole
Joseph Decker
Michael Riesberg
Alex Rigsby
Sing with us!
2022-23 Season Productions
Forty Forward (40th anniversary concert with orchestra)
Performance November 12, 2022
Rehearsals begin October 18, 2022
La bohème (Puccini)
Performances January 20 & 22, 2023
Rehearsals begin October 4, 2022
Carousel (Rodgers & Hammerstein)
Performances March 17 & 19, 2023
Rehearsals begin February 4, 2023
Audition Information
Auditions this season will be for both new and returning chorus members. Returning chorus members interested in performing this season must re-audition. There will be two separate audition dates for the 2022-23 Opera Chorus:
- Auditions for Forty Forward and La bohème will be held Wednesday, August 31, 2022 from 5:00-9:00PM
- Ensemble and bit role auditions for Carousel will be held in late January (date TBD)
For your audition, be prepared to sing one art song, aria, or musical theatre song in any language (no more than five minutes in length). A pianist will be provided. Please bring clear, legible sheet music inside a three-ring binder. Follow the link below to register for an audition slot. Additional details regarding audition requirements for Carousel will be published in early 2023.
For more details about the Opera Chorus, you can also reach out to Cody Martin, Music Director, at cody@pensacolaopera.com.
