Apply Now

Click HERE for our online application form.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1.     What are the dates of the Small Vocal Ensemble Professional Development Program and where is it located?

July 3 - 10, 2013 in St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada

2.     What are the elements of the program?

Individual coaching:These areclosed, private sessions with festival artists specially chosen to lead this program. Other participants are not invited to attend. This is a great opportunity for your ensemble to try out new material and ideas.

Masterclasses:These are sessions in which coaching of the ensemble is given with other ensembles invited to attend as observers. Ensembles are encouraged to attend all masterclasses. Masterclasses are opportunities for ensembles to refine their materials for performance as they receive feedback from guest artists and members of other ensembles.

Performance:Each ensemble will be given a 35-minute main stage performance opportunity as part of theWorld of Music - Small Vocal Ensembleconcert series. This concert will be shared with two other small vocal ensembles. There is the possibility of other performance opportunities during the festival. All ensemble performances will be of a un plugged nature (i.e., no sound reinforcement).

Other small vocal ensemble program activities:During the professional development program,there will also be special-interest sessions on career development, sound/technical management, and repertoire developed for this program.

Compositions for small vocal ensembles:A number of composers who have experience writing for small vocal ensembles will be on site during the festival. They include: Jussi Chydenius, Bob Chilcott, Mia Makaroff, Francisco Núñez and three Oxford University Press composers to be announced.

Other festival activities:Ensembles are eligible to attend any other festival sessions (e.g., workshops, masterclasses) when they do not clash with their specifically scheduled sessions.

Festival 500 Massed Adult Choir: All participants in the Small Vocal Ensemble Professional Development Program are expected to be a part of the Festival 500 Massed Adult Choir. This SATB choir is made up of all adult festival participants and is an integral part of the Grand Finale concert on July 10.

3.     Who is eligible to apply for the program?

  • a cappella vocal ensembles - maximum size of each ensemble is 8 persons.
  • NOTE:  Ensembles selected to participate in the PD program will not be able tobe members of another choir chosen to attend Festival 500. The two programsfor choirs and small vocal ensembles are distinct and run concurrently withoverlapping activities throughout the festival week.

4.     How do we apply?

Ensembles wishing to apply for the Small Vocal Ensemble Professional Development Program will be required to submit a full and complete application to Festival 500 which includes the official application form and the following support materials:  

  • Biography of the ensemble.
  • Photograph of the ensemble. Photo should be in high resolution (300 dpi) and the size 5 inches by 7 inches or equivalent. Electronic photos are also required if available.
  •  Audio recording. Include four or more separate and contrasting selections - maximum 20 minutes of music. Recording should reflect the special qualities of the group. Two selections must be a cappella.
  • List of notable performances and appearances over the past two years.
  • Statement detailing the ensemble's future plans.
  • Statement of intent: how this program would benefit the group and how itsupports the group's goals (maximum 250 words).
  • A sample list of repertoire for the Small Vocal Ensemble concert series. Theprogram must not exceed 30-35 minutes of music. This time limit will be strictlyobserved. Both sacred and secular music may be performed. This program is toassist the jury and may be amended if the group is selected.
  • A completed application form. Download here.

5.     When is the application deadline?

Application Deadline:   4:00 pm (NST), August 20, 2012

NST (Newfoundland Standard Time) is 1.5 hours ahead of Eastern Time (US) and 3.5 hrs behind London (UK).

Applications must be complete at this time.  Late applications will only be considered during a second jury round if the 12 spaces for the Professional Development Program are not already filled.

6.     How are applicants chosen?

Recordings are reviewed in anonymity by a Festival 500 jury which is comprised of acknowledged experts and practitioners in choral and vocal performance. Only after the recordings have been heard by the jury are the supporting materials considered. Quality of performance and recording are of primary importance for the jury. However, a solid and carefully prepared application is of importance and carries considerable weight as well.  Application materials will not be returned.

The decisions of the Festival 500 selection committee are final.

7.     How will applicants be notified of acceptance to the program?

All applicants will be notified by both letter and e-mail as to whether they have been invited or not or whether they have been placed on a reserve list.

8.     When will applicants be notified?

Applicants will be notified by mid September 2012. 

9.     How can we find more information about the program?

By contacting Festival 500 at E: information@festival500.com or T: 709-738-6013.

 

Participation Fees - Small Vocal Ensembles

The fee for small vocal ensemble participation is $550.00 (Cdn) per person.

(All fees include 13% goods and services taxes and any applicable box office processing fees.)

This fee includes:

  • Registration kit
  • individual coaching sessions (with Bob Chilcott, Jussi Chydenius and Witloof Bay)
  • Masterclasses (with Bob Chilcott, Jussi Chydenius and Witloof Bay)
  • Opening Ceremonies (one minute greeting song)
  • Evening concert performance (25-minute individual performance)
  • Massed participation at Grand Finale.
  • Tickets for three of the four evening concerts (your group will be performing on the other one of these four evening concerts; your registered travel party will receive tickets for this concert)
  • Social activities provided by Festival 500 (post-concert receptions and Grand Finale party)
  • Transportation to and from the airport, where applicable
  • Transportation within St. John's for Festival 500 activities
  • Ensemble and concert promotion associated with official Festival 500 events

Small Vocal Ensembles are expected to participate in the Massed Adult Choir with daily rehearsals and a performance at the Grand Finale concert (July 10th).

You are encouraged to take part in the following activities as scheduling permits:

  • Workshops
  • Optional performances at Sunday Church Services and/or Afternoon Concerts and/or Noteable Lunch concerts
All Festival 500 participants are responsible for the cost and arrangement of their travel, accommodations and meals.