Call for Auditions!
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Boston-based Ensemble Lyrae is seeking a 2nd Soprano to join the group as it prepares for its 2023-2024 Season.
Ensemble Lyrae is an SSAA chamber ensemble composed of four singers and a collaborative pianist. Whether performing in a spacious concert hall or a more intimate salon-style setting, the five members of Ensemble Lyrae perform repertoire in a variety of genres and styles from classical to jazz to contemporary new works written specifically for the group. The ensemble’s thematically-driven programs typically present works for any combination of voices as well as solo works. The members of the ensemble are drawn to discover and perform works rarely done and also are eager to expand the repertoire for SSAA through frequent commissions for active, living composers. Ensemble Lyrae has performed on the Music at Norway Pond Concert Series, Music at Whitehead Series and has been invited to perform at Boston Public Library's 'Concert in the Courtyard' summer series. They are the recipients of a 2019 Medford Arts Council Grant and Mass Cultural Council Grant, which allowed them to bring their program "Nevertheless, She Persisted" to a private audience at the Medford Council on Aging in June 2019.
Rehearsals are typically Tuesday evenings 7:30-10:00 PM and take place at the New School of Music in Cambridge, though there is some flexibility as needed. Ensemble Lyrae gives anywhere from 5-10 performances per season (COVID permitting.)
Member Requirements
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Comfortable and confident singing alone on their own part - both a-capella and accompanied music.
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Comfortable singing and performing solo repertoire
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Primary role within the ensemble will be to sing the 2nd soprano part in 4-part pieces, but should be willing and able to sing 1st soprano part in 3-part music or 4-part music should the need arise.
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Comfortable taking on administrative and marketing roles which are equally shared among members, including, but not limited to website maintenance, social media updates, email marketing, flier creation, point-of-contact for performance venues, etc.
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Attend ensemble planning meetings, both in-person and virtual (approx. 6-8 per season)
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Proof of vaccination for COVID-19
Audition Requirements
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Résumé and cover letter: Please send a copy of your résumé and cover letter to ensemblelyrae@gmail.com.
Prepared solo: (please bring a copy for the accompanist.)
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Prepared ensemble piece: “Birds of Passage” by Brian John. Candidates should prepare the Soprano 2 part beginning in the pick up to m. 66 to the end. The score can be downloaded here. An audio recording of Ensemble Lyrae performing "Birds of Passage" can be found here.
In-person Auditions
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Tuesday, October 10, 2023 - 7:30-10:00 PM New School of Music, 25 Lowell Street, Cambridge, MA
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Saturday, October 14, 2023 - 1:30-5:00 PM New School of Music, 25 Lowell Street, Cambridge, MA
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Wednesday, October 18, 2023 - 7:30 - 10:00 PM New School of Music, 25 Lowell Street, Cambridge, MA
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All questions regarding auditions and Ensemble Lyrae can be sent to ensemblelyrae@gmail.com.