2025 Grant Park Music Festival Vocal Fellowship Auditions

Video Application Deadline: Wednesday, January 15, 2025

GUIDELINES

• FELLOWSHIP DATES: July 21 - August 16, 2025
• ELIGIBLE MUSICIANS: emerging professional vocalists from populations historically underrepresented in American symphonic choruses, including but not limited to underrepresented racial, ethnic, socioeconomic and geographic groups, who are attending or have graduated from a college, university or conservatory level music program
• AVAILABLE FELLOWSHIPS: Soprano, Mezzo-soprano, Tenor, Baritone/Bass
• FELLOWSHIP SALARY: Minimum of $1,000 per week (approximately $4,000 total)
• LIVE AUDITION DATE FOR FINALISTS: Tuesday February 18, 2025.  Applicants traveling over 50 miles are eligible for travel support of up to $250.

VIDEO AUDITION REPERTOIRE REQUIREMENTS

INTRODUCTION VIDEO

• Please tell us your name, city, and why you believe you should be part of the Vocal Fellowship program.  Please do not exceed one minute in your introductory video.

SOLOS

• Two contrasting solos from an oratorio, art song, or opera aria.  Each solo should not exceed four minutes.

EXCERPTS (please adequately prepare; these are equally important to your solo selections)

Anton Bruckner - Psalm 150

• Rehearsal L to downbeat of 9th measure of Rehearsal K; Quarter Note = 106
• A piano track will be available on December 1 for download.

 Thomas Tallis - If Ye Love Me (Sopranos and Altos only)

• Measure 1 to beat 2 of Measure 9; Quarter Note = 82
• This excerpt should be performed straight tone (no vibrato)
• Only soprano and alto applicants should record this excerpt

Click HERE to download audition excerpts and piano track.

You must submit all required repertoire and excerpts to be considered. You can submit up to three videos as long as there is absolutely no editing and the videos were clearly made within the past calendar year.

FELLOWSHIP DETAILS

• Rehearse and perform three programs with the Grant Park Orchestra & Chorus
• Perform with conductors Christopher Bell, Giancarlo Guerrero, and Larry Loh
• Perform with guest artists Jennifer Koh, Jana McIntyre, John Holiday, and Troy Cook
• Perform in master classes for J'Nai Bridges and John Holiday
• Perform in high profile recitals and chamber concerts as a quartet in neighborhoods throughout Chicago
• Receive individual and quartet coaching with Festival artistic leadership and members of the Grant Park Chorus
• Improve your networking skills and learn insider tips through professional development sessions with industry professionals on a wide-range of topics, including audition best practices, resume and branding development, managing finances, and body wellness
• Work on public speaking and learn to present music to all ages as you train and serve as a visiting teaching artist for the Festival's Community Engagement programs

QUALIFICATIONS

• Be currently enrolled in, or a graduate of, a college, university, or conservatory level music program
• Identify as an emerging professional vocalist from populations historically underrepresented in American symphonic choruses, including but not limited to underrepresented racial, ethnic, socioeconomic and geographic groups.
• Fellows must commit to the entire duration of the program (July 21 - August 16, 2025). Vocal Fellows will also be expected to return to perform at our GPMF Advocate for the Arts Awards in October 2025 (2 day commitment and flight/hotel covered)
• Candidate must be legally eligible to work in the United States and provide current visa.

For more information on the Grant Park Music Festival and the Vocal Fellowship Program, please visit our website at http://www.grantparkmusicfestival.com/ or email Chris Collins at chris.collins@gpmf.org.  

Application and audition materials for all instruments are due no later than 11:59pm Central Time on Wednesday, January 15, 2025. 

APPLY NOW

I was singing alongside musicians from all over the country and was thrown into fast-paced environments that sharpened my ensemble skills to a totally different degree. I got to study and coach with reputable teachers, collaborators and conductors with whom I am still in touch.

—Vidita Kanniks, 2019 vocal fellow