Professional Singers
The Gentlemen of the Choir sing alto (countertenor), tenor, and bass in the Cathedral Choir of Men and Boys and Cathedral Choir of Men and Girls. Professional female singers sing soprano and alto in the Cathedral Voices and Cathedral Singers. All are professional singers with extensive experience in sacred choral music.
The Cathedral maintains a regular roster of professional singers (12 men and 4 women) as well as an extensive roster of substitutes. Singers are paid $80 per call; each call lasts a maximum of three hours, which includes both rehearsal and performance. Professional singers are not called for a regular weekly rehearsal; rather, music is rehearsed immediately prior to each service. Strong sight-reading skills are a requirement.
Schedule & Auditions
The Gentlemen of the Choir sing each week at the following services:
- Wednesday: 5:30 pm Choral Evensong (4:45 pm call)
- Thursday: 5:30 pm Choral Evensong (4:45 pm call)
- Sunday: 11:15 am Holy Eucharist (10 am call)
- Sunday: 4 pm Choral Evensong (2:45 pm call)
Professional female singers sing each week for the 8:45 service on Sunday mornings (7:45 am call).
All professional singers are also called for special services and concerts throughout the year.
Auditions for the choir last approximately 15 minutes. Successful candidates will spend another 20 minutes with a Human Resources representative to complete their hiring paperwork. Candidates should prepare an aria from either Handel’s Messiah or Bach’s St. John Passion; an accompanist will be provided. Auditions are usually held in the spring, late June, and in the fall. Please complete the application form
For more information, please call the Music Office at (202) 537-6216 or email musicoffice@cathedral.org.