About the Chorus

“…the SCO Chorus sang with exceptional fervour and finesse."

The Guardian (Haydn Die Sieben letzten Worte, August 2009)

"...vivid, gleaming and articulate singing."

The Herald (Haydn Nelson Mass, May 2008)

Forthcoming concerts
Sing with the SCO Chorus/FAQs

About the SCO Chorus

The Scottish Chamber Orchestra Chorus has built a reputation as one of Scotland’s finest and most versatile choirs. As the SCO’s resident chorus, it works regularly with leading conductors including Sir Charles Mackerras, Olari Elts, Joseph Swensen, Yannick Nézet-Seguin, Richard Egarr, Nicholas McGegan and Emmanuelle Haim. The Chorus rehearses under Chorusmaster Gregory Batsleer.

Recent highlights have included repertoire as diverse as Haydn’s The Seasons, Mendelssohn’s Elijah, premieres of Karin Rehnqvist’s Requiem aeternam and Edward Harper’s Symphony No 2 [both SCO commissions], and a capella programmes of Bach and Pärt. The Chorus appears regularly in Scotland’s major cities and has toured to London (Beethoven's Fidelio) and Barcelona (Handel's Messiah); in 2006 it gave an acclaimed performance of Rachmaninov's Vespers on the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

Recordings include Mozart's Requiem (SCO/Linn), Die Entführung aus dem Serail (Telarc), and La Clemenza di Tito (Deutsche Grammophon), all with Sir Charles Mackerras; Bellini's I Capuleti ed i Montecchi with Donald Runnicles (Teldec) and Rossini's Zelmira with Maurizio Benini (Opera Rara) and the premiere recording of Edward Harper’s Symphony No 2 with Garry Walker (Delphian, 2007).

A regular visitor to the Edinburgh International Festival, the Chorus has performed in a wide variety of events including a ballet production of Mendelsson's A Midsummer Night’s Dream and concert performances of operas by Mozart, Rossini and Vivaldi, winning one of The Herald’s coveted Angel awards in 2001 for Handel's Messiah with Sir Charles Mackerras.

In 2005, the Chorus took part in two outstanding opera performances: Mozart's La Clemenza di Tito with Sir Charles Mackerras and Rossini's Adelaide de Bourgogne with Guiliano Carella, which was recorded live for Opera Rara. 2007 saw acclaimed performances of Purcell's Dido & Aeneas and the seldom-heard Vivaldi opera Orlando furioso. In 2009, the Chorus performed Haydn's Die Sieben letzten Worte under Garry Walker and, with Festspiele Orchester Göttingen, Mendelssohn’s arrangement of Handel’s Acis and Galatea conducted by Nicholas McGegan.

Forthcoming concerts

Schumann Mass in C minor, 6 May 2010 - Edinburgh
Schumann Mass in C minor, 7 May 2010 - Glasgow

Sing with the Chorus!/FAQs

The Chorus is currrently recruiting new members - read on to find out how to join.

Who sings with us?
The SCO Chorus is made up of around 60 singers from across central Scotland.

Where and when do we rehearse?
We rehearse most Monday evenings in central Edinburgh, 1915-2200.

What commitment is involved in being a member?
We don’t expect every singer to do every concert (although we are delighted if you do!), but we do expect a minimum participation of 75% of our schedule (or six projects in two years).

How do I join?
We hold auditions regularly throughout the season for prospective members.

Can I attend a taster session before auditioning?
We welcome any potential new members who would like to observe a rehearsal and thereby experience the Choir before deciding whether or not to audition. The first rehearsal of each new project is usually open to prospective members, but please contact us first to make certain.

When are the next audition dates?
It’s likely that the next round of auditions for new members will be in early-mid September.  For further details, please contact Rod Bain, Concerts & Projects Manager on 0131 478 8335 or email rod.bain@sco.org.uk

What would I have to do for an audition?
Auditions will be held by our chorusmaster Greg Batsleer, and last 10-15 minutes.We’ll provide an accompanist; you should bring along two copies of a piece which you feel very comfortable singing (please don’t feel you have to choose something showy). Your piece should last no more than 5 minutes and can be less if you prefer.

There will also be some vocal and ear exercises and a short bit of accompanied sight-singing.

What does membership cost?
At present, membership is free and all rehearsal costs are covered. We provide all music and transport to concerts out of Edinburgh.

Do I need to be able to read music?
Yes, you should have good reading skills. We move at a reasonable pace in rehearsals and expect to cover new ground quickly.