CitySing 2027 | Elijah - Handel and Haydn Society

What is H+H CitySing?

We are looking for a few good singers! In the inspiring original spirit of the "Society" of H+H, Artistic Director Jonathan Cohen is pleased to share our newest program, CitySing, that celebrates the vitality of Boston’s singing community. This Spring, the 3rd annual CitySing will once again welcome 30 members of choral ensembles from around Greater Boston to join the H+H Chorus on the stage of Symphony Hall to perform selected portions of Mendelssohn's Elijah.

Our Society was founded with a principle that music-making is a shared experience, whether you're on stage, in the audience, or work behind the scenes to create the magic of H+H, you are the music! It's with this inspiring belief that we invite skilled and interested singers to join us.

Hear from past participants

"Every rehearsal felt meaningful, in nothing short of high demands in musical precision and genuine artistry. What stood out most to me was the spirit of collaboration: the professional musicians, both in the chorus and the orchestra, were incredibly supportive. It was a true privilege to be part of such a welcoming musical community, where artistry and warmth go hand in hand without any compromise of professionalism."

"Thrilling, exciting, and wonderful!!"

"Working with top notch conductor/musicians has been a most memorable experience and it has exceeded all my expectations!"

More Details

Always wanted to sing on the stage of Symphony Hall? Dreamt of singing before a crowd of thousands? We are looking for you! H+H seeks a diversity of voices for CitySing, intending to assemble an ensemble that reflects the breadth of choral singing in our region and is composed of singers with a variety of experiences and vocal training. We will select singers who we believe have the best chance for success. This is a perfect opportunity to experience this iconic work surrounded by professional singers who are experts in H+H's specialty - historically informed performance.

What are we looking for?

Generally at H+H, we are looking for singers with the best of the following:

GREAT SINGING! We’re looking for great singers, including things like solid technique, vocal skills, intonation, healthy habits. H+H assumes musicianship skills, and seeks singers with a developed sense of musicality, beyond demonstration of musical accuracy.
PASSION for the repertoire. Though prior experience performing Baroque repertoire is highly valued, we are looking for singers with a passion for the repertoire we sing. Passion can make up for lack of experience.
COMMUNICATION Are you able to convey to the audience your passion and musicality?
PREPARATION H+H singers commit to learning the repertoire in advance of rehearsal so our time together can focus on the ensemble.
COLLEGIALITY Choral singing is, by nature, working with others. For the sake of all involved in the music-making, we value singers who sing with awareness of their voice with their neighbor’s, whose aural skills in rehearsal are as important as vocal skills, and whose comportment and presence contributes to a positive environment for the music and the musicians.

Rehearsal + Performance Schedule

(subject to change)

Saturday, Apr. 17, 2027 - 1:00-4:00pm rehearsal +
Saturday, Apr. 24, 2027 - 1:00-4:00pm rehearsal +
Sunday, Apr. 25, 2027 - 1:00-2:00pm reception (optional); 2-5pm rehearsal ++
Tuesday, Apr. 27, 2027 - 6:00-9:00pm rehearsal #
Wednesday, Apr. 28, 2027 - 6:00-9:00pm rehearsal #
Thursday, Apr. 29, 2027 - 2:00-5:00pm dress *
Saturday, May 1, 2027 - 12:00-1:00pm warmup; 2:00-4:30pm concert *
Sunday, May 2, 2027 - 1:30-2:00pm warmup; 3:00-5:30pm concert *

Locations

+ Josiah Quincy Upper School (900 Washington St, Boston)
++ Beth El Temple Center (2 Concord Ave, Belmont)
# BYSO Youth Center for Music (235 Huntington Ave, Boston)
* Symphony Hall (301 Massachusetts Ave, Boston)

Complimentary Concert Tickets

Selected singers receive two (2) complimentary tickets to one of the two performances of Mendelssohn's Elijah.