Performance Opportunities - Choirs
World of Music Concerts
At the heart of Festival 500 are the World of Music concerts which feature three choirs in each concert. This main concert series occurs over four nights of the festival in two venues each evening. Each of the three choirs presents their own individual program (20 minutes maximum). The individual performances are followed by a three-choir joint performance. Prior to the Festival, each choir will be asked to share one work with the other two choirs performing in the same concert. These works should demonstrate "the power of song" in each of the unique and diverse cultures of the participating choirs. During the Festival, each conductor will rehearse and conduct his/her selected piece with the full three-choir ensemble. This collaborative, combined performance of shared repertoire and shared conductors embodies the spirit of Festival 500 - sharing the voices!.
Massed Choir Projects
Festival 500 offers the exciting opportunity for choirs to rehearse and sing together in a huge choir, with a full symphony orchestra! In 2011, this opportunity will include the Massed Adult Choir (SATB voicing) under the direction of Grete Pedersen (Norway) and the Massed Youth Choir (SSAA voicing) under the direction of Kari Ala-Pöllänen (Finland). Choirs with other voicings (e.g. TTBB) can still participate in these massed choirs. Massed performances will be presented at the Grande Finale concert on July 13, 2011, along with the Newfoundland Symphony Orchestra, Rajaton, The Indonesian Children and Youth Choir... to an audience of thousands!
Concerts in the Afternoon
Festival 500 presents a series of afternoon concerts in downtown St. John’s venues. Interested choirs are invited to perform a 20-minute program as part of these full afternoon concerts.
Noteable Lunch Concerts
Choirs can take part in more informal lunchtime concerts - part of the Festival’s Noteable Lunch program. These free concerts are in public spaces throughout St. John’s where people gather during their lunch hour. These concerts are planned as a cappella events and choirs will need to provide their own equipment if needed.
Church Services
Choirs are invited to perform in services at local churches and worship centers on Sunday July 10, 2011. All choirs are encouraged to bring their own form of worship to the service. This initiative is a very popular performance option. Choirs are in great demand and the congregations enthusiastic.
Performance Opportunities - Individuals "Come Solo"
Massed Choir Project
Festival 500 offers the exciting opportunity for come solo participants and choirs to rehearse and sing together in a huge choir, with a full symphony orchestra! In 2011, this opportunity will include the Massed Adult Choir (SATB voicing) under the direction of Grete Pedersen (Norway). The massed performance will be presented at the Grande Finale concert on July 13, 2011 along with the Newfoundland Symphony Orchestra, Rajaton, The Indonesian Children and Youth Choir... to an audience of thousands!
Come Solo Festival Choir
Come solo participants also have the option to sing in the popular Come Solo Festival Choir. Individuals from all over the world will come together to form their very own choir, rehearse together throughout the week and then perform as a featured choir at a World of Music concert! Past participants are still expressing how much fun they had last time, so we've invited renowned Swedish choral conductor Fred Sjöberg back for an encore appearance! Don't miss all the fun... come sing with us!
Capacity is limited for this option, so be sure to register early.