The RSNO Chorus is an exclusive opportunity for choral singers in Scotland to:
- Experience a broad range of Choral work from new commissions to popular film scores
- Rehearse and perform with Scotland’s National Orchestra
- Perform to audiences across Scotland
- Join a friendly, hard working group of people who come from all walks of life and who share the same passion: to sing.
The RSNO Chorus rehearses on a Wednesday night at the RSNO Centre in Glasgow, opposite Buchanan Street Bus Station and just a short walk from Queen Street Station.
Audition for the RSNO Chorus
If you’re over the age of 18, love to sing and can read music, we’d love to hear you!
Entry to the RSNO Chorus is by audition. Come and sing a classical solo piece that you’ve prepared in advance, preferably ABRSM Grade 6 and above (someone will be there to accompany you on the piano if you want). You will be asked to prepare a short choral extract for 5 minutes before hand which will be given to you on arrival, this will be sung in the audition. You will also do some musicianship tests and a few other vocal exercises to check your range.
The next available Audition date for new members is still to be confirmed.
Want to know more?
Contact Christine Walker on 0141 225 3553 or email chorus@rsno.org.uk if you’re interested in joining or if you have any questions. We’d love to hear from you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where and when are rehearsals held?
The RSNO Chorus normally rehearses once a week, and meets more often on a concert week. The rehearsals take place on a Wednesday evening 7.30pm–10pm at The RSNO Centre, Glasgow.
What is the required level of commitment?
The RSNO Chorus performs approximately six pieces of music per season, and singers are expected to attend at least 80% of rehearsals to be able to sing in the performance(s). The rehearsal and concert schedule is circulated several months in advance.
Can I come to a rehearsal before auditioning?
Yes, there are two open rehearsals each year where anyone that's interested in joining the RSNO Chorus is encouraged to come along and sing with the choir for an evening. But if you can't wait that long, please email chorus@rsno.org.uk.
When is the next open rehearsal?
We don't currently have any open rehearsals planned. If you would like to attend a rehearsal, please email chorus@rsno.org.uk.
When are the next audition dates?
The next round of auditions are still to be confirmed.
Please email chorus@rsno.org.uk with the subject line 'Audition' if you would like to add your name to the list.
What do I have to do in an audition?
You'll be asked to sing a classical solo piece that you've prepared in advance, preferably ABRSM Grade 6 and above, someone will be there to accompany you on the piano if you want. You will be asked to prepare a short choral extract 5 minutes before you go into the audition. You will have your range tested and you may be asked to do some aural tests, these may include singing the middle note of a chord and singing back a short phrase played to you twice.
What does membership cost?
Memberships fees for 2018:19
- Membership is £80 per annum, due in September 2018
- Membership is £40 per annum for new members (first year only).
- Membership is £40 per annum for mature students in full time education and persons in receipt of job seekers allowance.
- Membership is free for young people aged 17–25 (inclusive).
Bursaries are available for those who cannot afford membership fees. Please contact chorus@rsno.org.uk for more details.
Is there any financial support available for students and those on a low income?
The Grant Murray Bequest was set up by the family of a past member of the RSNO Chorus who died at the early age of thirty-one. Its purpose is to assist younger members of the Chorus to experience the opportunities Grant Murray had so much enjoyed, particularly touring with the Chorus. Funds from the Bequest are also available for help with the cost of singing lessons or to help with travelling expenses to rehearsals. Please contact chorus@rsno.org.uk for more details.
Do I need to be able to read music?
Yes. The way the RSNO Chorus learns new works, and the general pace of rehearsals, really means that you should be able to read music.
What age do I have to be to join the RSNO Chorus?
Normally singers should be over the age of eighteen to join the RSNO Chorus.
Where are members based?
Members of the RSNO Chorus come from all over central Scotland, not just Glasgow, with a number of singers travelling from Edinburgh each week for rehearsals.
Do I need to buy my own music?
Members of the RSNO Chorus are asked to have their own copy of Handel's Messiah (Watkins Shaw edition), which the Chorus performs annually with the RSNO. All other music is provided.
Where does the RSNO Chorus perform?
The RSNO Chorus regularly performs with the RSNO in the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall and the Usher Hall, Edinburgh. The RSNO Chorus also occasionally travels to sing in the Caird Hall in Dundee, the Music Hall in Aberdeen and Perth Concert Hall.
Does the RSNO Chorus perform outside of Scotland?
The RSNO Chorus has been on a number of overseas tours, performing with the RSNO and with other orchestras. In recent years, the RSNO Chorus has performed in Copenhagen, Belfast, Australia, Norway, Amsterdam and Prague.
Why should I join the RSNO Chorus?
The RSNO Chorus sings wonderful music, ranging from the choral classics through to more unusual, modern pieces, for example, the concert version of the Lord of the Rings film score… in Elvish! Add to that regularly performing with one of Europe's leading symphony orchestras, alongside world-renowned conductors and soloists… What more could you want?