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San Francisco Opera Chorus Auditions

FOR THE 2026 CONTRACT YEAR
OPENINGS IN ALL VOICE CATEGORIES

Audition Request Audition Application  Announcement

San Francisco Opera will hold auditions in October/November for experienced, classically trained singers for the following positions in the San Francisco Opera Chorus for the 2026 contract year:

11 Full-time Regular Chorus Positions:

  • Soprano: 3 positions
  • Mezzo-Soprano: 1 position
  • Tenor: 2 positions
  • Baritone/Bass: 3 positions
  • Section TBD: 2 positions

Part-time Extra Chorus Positions:

  • Soprano & Mezzo: Up to 15 assignments
  • Tenor, Baritone & Bass: Up to 34 assignments

Applicants from underrepresented backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Musical rehearsals are currently scheduled to begin in the spring of 2026.  Performances will take place in June as part of the spring/summer season, with the fall season opening in September and ending in late November.  A tentative Chorus Master Schedule will be provided with any offer.

BASIC REQUIREMENTS

  • A minimum of 4 years classical voice training – academic or private.
  • Excellent sight-reading ability – music and languages.
  • Ability to memorize music quickly.
  • Experience in another professional OPERA or SYMPHONY chorus and/or strong academic or other non-professional experience.
  • Stage experience or significant stage training.
  • Availability to work according to a complex rehearsal and performance schedule.
  • Ability to take and accept stage and musical direction.
  • Ability to work in a theatrical environment, including but not limited to the ability to perform in a variety of stage conditions including flat and raked stages, at stage level and on elevated platforms, and with the use of specific scenic effects including the use of stage smoke and fog simulator effects including but not limited to steam and dry ice.

APPLICATION INFORMATION
Auditions are by invitation only after application submission.

Please submit the following to request an audition:

  • Application form
  • Professional singing resume
  • Two letters of recommendation from established music professionals with whom you have worked
  • Professional headshot
  • Your first and second choices of audition dates

You must submit all material before consideration will be given for an audition.

Please submit application to:
Nina Pitts, Music Operations Assistant
npitts@sfopera.com

If you have sung with the San Francisco Opera Chorus in any of the past 5 seasons, you do need to submit an application, but do not need to submit letters of reference or a headshot.

Application Deadline:
Applications should be submitted 10 days prior to your desired audition date.
Final Deadline is November 1st, 2025

San Francisco Opera reserves the right to deny audition requests to singers who have auditioned and not been selected three (3) or more times.  In some limited cases this may be waived two years from the last audition, with evidence of additional experience and/or training.

AUDITION SPECIFICS
If you qualify for an audition, you will be notified via email no later than one week before the audition date.  For those coming from out of town your audition date/time will be sent immediately to allow for travel arrangements.

Once assigned an audition date/time, no changes can be guaranteed with less than 72 hour notice.

Audition Location:
War Memorial Opera House
301 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94109

Audition Requirements:

  • 3 operatic arias, one of which must be in Italian. A 4th selection is optional, and may be an operatic aria, oratorio aria or spiritual.  All selections must be memorized.
  • You must provide a repertoire sheet.
  • You may be asked to sing only one aria.
  • Arias should be sung in the original key and language.
  • The ability to read and memorize music quickly and accurately is a must. You may be asked to sight read. 
  • You should anticipate the audition lasting no longer than 5 minutes; please plan your repertoire accordingly.
  • San Francisco Opera will furnish an accompanist. You must provide legible sheet music for each aria, in the correct key, for the accompanist.
  • You are welcome to bring your own accompanist. Please share their name at the time the audition is confirmed.
  • No guests will be permitted into the audition location.


COMPENSATION
Rates of pay for the 2026 AGMA contract year are listed below:

  • Extra Chorus: $67.23 per rehearsal hour / $311.18 per performance
  • Regular Chorus: $2,110.31 weekly, entry level for 35 weeks

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.

The San Francisco Opera Association is an equal opportunity employer.

Please submit any questions via email to npitts@sfopera.com.