OPERA TAMPA CHORUS

The Opera Tampa Chorus has been working professionally under the direction of Cynthia Youkon since 1996. Many chorus members are local professional and non-professional performers from all walks of life, who return year after year to grace the stage. Under the direction of Anton Coppola, the chorus has blossomed and made Opera Tampa productions as good as any competitive opera company in the nation. Opera Tampa is proud to have its chorus return this season and this group of artists deserves a standing ovation.

With a core group of 30 men and women, the Opera Tampa Chorus is always looking for new, dedicated participants. The goal would be to have a grand total of 60 to 70 opera singers who could regularly participate in the Opera Tampa season. Although time consuming, the rewards of performing a grand opera with full orchestra on the stage of Carol Morsani Hall are many and include: an inside look behind the scenes; full costume and make-up for performances; working with world re-known artists; and having the privilege to learn from a master, Anton Coppola. Auditions are held at The Center once or twice a year. If interested in auditioning for the Opera Tampa Chorus, please call Marion Sassen at 813.222.1021.

A Note from Cynthia Youkon
Director, Opera Tampa Chorus

What’s so special about being a chorus member?

Regardless of your background, beliefs, or real life persona, being a chorus singer allows your alter ego to shine through. Being a chorus member affords an opportunity to assume an identity of true fantasy – be it a hot and spicy Spanish cigarette girl or a smuggler in Carmen, a courtier in the Duke’s court in Rigoletto, a gypsy in Il Trovatore, a geisha in Madama Butterfly or Ethiopian slaves or Egyptian priests in Aida. The possibilities are endless.

So you think, what’s so important about being just a chorus member? The chorus, regardless of the length of involvement in the opera, is no small part. Chorus is always integral to the opera – otherwise the composer would not have written their music.

Chorus music can be inspiring plot support or subtle background, but it’s never boring. Take the short chorus work in Tosca, for example. The entire chorus part takes a little less than seven minutes of musical time. However, their first act scene is dynamic. Picture a stage full of people singing as a backdrop of religious music for a maniacally manipulative political figure’s soliloquy. Pure power. A true show stopper!

Or envision yourself as an excited member of a crowd of Egyptian citizens welcoming their war hero, complete with entourage, wild animals and tremendous pageantry. Add the costumes, make-up, stage décor, tremendously talented, world-class principal singers and directors and a magnificent orchestra and you have a fantasy performance opportunity. Good chorus work brings the audience to their feet and critics into a state of euphoria.

Many of Opera Tampa Chorus members return season after season. Several have been with Opera Tampa since the first production and are beginning in their ninth season. But Opera Tampa is always looking for new members to join the ranks. Even first time chorus members with no prior opera experience are welcome. They’ll be taught the music and language for each new opera. Opera Tampa provides everything needed for your involvement, except your commitment.

Opera Tampa Chorus is a great group of music-loving individuals. The camaraderie is a special bond. With each new production, new friends are made and fun opportunities abound. A brief audition is required to join the Opera Tampa Chorus. This includes a simple test of vocal quality, musicianship and a short interview. An accompanist is provided free of charge.

So why are you waiting? Call today to book your fantasy performance debut.