We are an accomplished mid-size chorus widely recognized for its ambitious and interesting repertoire. And we have a great time singing together. You might, too! We rehearse from 7 to 9:45 PM on Tuesday nights at Broadway Presbyterian Church at 601 West 114th Street in Manhattan and perform at venues all around New York City. Our first rehearsal for the 2023-24 season will be on September 5.
Music Director Clara Longstreth invites singers with choral experience and sight-reading ability to audition. New Amsterdam Singers is well-known for adventurous programming that features premieres and commissions as well as traditional choral gems, and our upcoming season will be no exception. We begin in December with a concert that includes Bach’s Lobet den Herrn, works by Buxtehude, Schütz, and Byrd, and a selection of Renaissance motets in Hebrew by Salamone Rossi. In March we’ll present the world premiere of Michael Dellaira’s one-act folk opera Arctic Explorations, which in telling the story of 19th century explorer Elisha Kent Kane explores larger themes of exploration, discovery, and spirituality. In May we close out our season with two 20th-century classics — Britten’s Hymn to St. Cecilia and Petr Eben’s Cantico delle Creature — as well as newer works from the 21st century. For the third season in a row, we will be joined by members of the Harlem Chamber Players.
The chorus remains committed to the safety of our singers, staff and audiences during these times, and we’ll maintain appropriate safety protocols throughout the season.
Individual auditions will be scheduled throughout the summer. To arrange an audition, please contact Clara Longstreth at info@nasingers.org.
Frequently Asked Questions about Auditioning
What happens at an audition?
Your audition will be private; one-on-one with Music Director Clara Longstreth. At your audition, Clara will have you sing some scales to test your vocal range, will play series of notes for you to sing back to her, to test your listening and pitch, and will ask you to sight-read some music. You will also sing one prepared piece of your own choosing.
Do I need to be able to sight-read?
It is expected that all members of New Amsterdam Singers have at least basic sight reading skills.
When are auditions held?
Most auditions take place in August, prior to the beginning of the new season. There are occasionally openings during the course of the year, however, so singers are encouraged to inquire about openings at other times of the year as well.
Do you have an opening in my voice part?
We have some openings in all voice parts each year, so singers are always encouraged to audition if interested.
Does it cost anything to join?
Dues are currently $255 for the season and may be paid either in full or in installments. Scholarships are available.
Can I hear a sample of New Amsterdam Singers in performance?
We’ve provided some excerpts of New Amsterdam Singers in performance here.
Interested in auditioning? Learn more about our 2023-24 season here.