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The Houston Symphony Chorus, the official choral unit of the Houston Symphony, is led by Dr. Charles Hausmann. It is a chorus of volunteer singer/musicians who are committed to rehearsing and performing the choral-orchestral repertory at the highest level of choral artistry. In addition to presenting an annual schedule of concerts in Jones Hall with the Houston Symphony, the Chorus has toured Europe several times and has performed regularly in Mexico with the Orquesta Sinfónica de Mineriá in Mexico City.
The group, originally known as the Houston Chorale, was founded in 1946 by Alfred Urbach, then principal cellist of the Houston Symphony. The Chorale made its debut with the Houston Symphony in 1949 with a performance of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony. This inaugurated what was to be a lasting relationship, one that has produced hundreds of memorable performances of the great choral masterworks led by some of the world's leading conductors. In 1986, the Chorale was renamed the Houston Symphony Chorus.
Members of the Houston Symphony Chorus are experienced choral singers from all walks of life and all parts of the greater Houston area who are brought together by their appreciation of great music. The Chorus rehearses every Tuesday evening and performs in a variety of concerts each season.
If you read music and have a desire to sing great choral repertoire with a world-class orchestra, we invite you to apply. Auditions for the Chorus are held in August, January and May and are approximately ten minutes in length. During the audition, applicants are asked to demonstrate their abilities in vocalization, tonal memory and sight-singing and to sing a prepared piece. An accompanist is provided. To schedule an audition or for more information, contact the Chorus Manager, Susan Scarrow, at chorus@sbcglobal.net.
During the 2007-2008 Season the Houston Symphony Chorus will perform the following works with the Houston Symphony:
Mendelssohn, Complete Music from
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Hans Graf, counductor
September 20, 22, 23, 2007
Stravinsky, Symphony of Psalms
Hans Graf, counductor
September 28, 29, 30, 2007
A Very Merry Pops
Michael Krajewski, conductor
December 14, 15, 16, 2007
Handel, Messiah
Bernard Labadie, conductor
December 21, 22, 23, 2007
Berstein, Chichester Psalms
Orff, Carmina Burana
Claus Peter Flor, conductor
February 22, 23, 24, 2008
Beethoven, Choral Fantasy
Hans Graf, Conductor
Mar 8, 2008
Mendelssohn, St Paul
Charles Hausmann, Conductor
Apr 26, 2008
Mahler, Symphony No. 2, Resurrection
Hans Graf, conductor
May 1, 3, 4, 2008