About the Chorus

"The night belonged to the SCO Chorus for its shattering and profoundly moving performance of the Requiem. This glorious chorus...sang the work from memory, a terrific feat."

 **** The Herald (Mozart's Requiem, May 2011)

Forthcoming concerts
Sing with the SCO Chorus!

About the SCO Chorus

The Scottish Chamber Orchestra Chorus (Chorusmaster Gregory Batsleer) has built a reputation as one of Scotland’s finest and most versatile choirs.   Members enjoy a unique opportunity to perform with one of the world’s leading chamber orchestras, and to work regularly with leading conductors including Robin Ticciati,  Olari Elts, Joseph Swensen, Yannick Nézet-Seguin, Richard Egarr, Nicholas McGegan and John Storgårds.

Recent concerts have covered a wide range of music, including Berlioz L’Enfance du Christ,  Fauré Requiem, Handel and Purcell Anthems, and premieres of SCO commissions including Karin Rehnqvist’s Requiem aeternam and Edward Harper’s Symphony No 2.  The Chorus appears regularly in Scotland’s major cities and has toured to London (Beethoven's Fidelio) and Barcelona (Handel's Messiah); it has given several acclaimed performance 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 Harper’s Symphony No 2 with Garry Walker (Delphian, 2007).

A regular visitor to the Edinburgh International Festival, the SCO Chorus has performed in a wide variety of events including 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.  Recent highlights have included acclaimed performances of  Haydn's Die Sieben letzten Worte under Garry Walker and, with FestspielOrchester Göttingen, Mendelssohn’s arrangement of Handel’s Acis and Galatea conducted by Nicholas McGegan (2009) and Mozart’s Idomeneo under Sir Roger Norrington (2010).

Forthcoming concerts

Sing with the Chorus!

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, 7.15pm-10pm.

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?
For further details, please contact Tammo Schülke, Concerts & Projects Manager on 0131 478 8335 or email tammo.schuelke@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.