What are the audition requirements? 

The Women's HOPE Chorale holds annual auditions in August. Auditions are now closed. However, new members will be considered if additional singers are needed during the concert season. The Chorale welcomes singers of diverse backgrounds, experience and ability levels and encourages you to audition in August!

For general (non-paid) membership in the Chorale, new singers will be asked to:

• Sing one a cappella solo (a hymn, art song, folk song, or aria; the solo does not need to be memorized.)
• Sing scales to determine range.
• Repeat simple melodic patterns to determine tonal memory skills.
• Sight-read to determine music reading skills.

For Young Artist Awards:

The Chorale has 4-5 paid positions in the form of Young Artist Awards. Our Young Artists also function as our Section Leaders. Candidates for Young Artist Awards must:

• Audition for the Artistic Director annually by performing from memory two contrasting solos: one in English and one in a foreign language.
• Be pursuing or have a degree in music.
• Be in the early stages of establishing a professional career in music.
• Have above average sight-reading skills.
• Have extensive choral singing experience.
• Be able to sing solos and/or participate in small ensembles in Chorale performances.
• Be able to blend with other voices.
• Be able to sing with good intonation.
• Be a positive presence in rehearsals and performances. 
• Attend all rehearsals and performances. 
• Participate for the entire season.
• Come prepared for each rehearsal by learning pitches and rhythms at home.
• Lead sectional rehearsals and help others in her section learn their part. 
• Promote kindness and respect amongst the members of her section and within the Chorale as a whole. 
• Be supportive of the goals, mission and vision of the WHCSL.

Please Contact Artistic Director, Leanne Latuda, to determine if the chorale currently needs additional singers in a particular section: artisticdirector@womenshopechorale.org

Celebrating Women Composers and poets

Women are the keepers of stories, the carriers of traditions, the light that draws others to gather and connect. During our Whisper to a Roar concert, the Chorale will perform a selection of gorgeous pieces that showcase the work of talented women poets and composers against a rich backdrop of string instruments… all highlighting a woman’s perspective. We’ll explore genres as diverse as classical, folk, gospel and contemporary, creating a performance that inspires all who hear to express their humanity from the softest whisper to the loudest roar. 

It’s our nod to the Emerald Isle, a not-to-be-missed performance of traditional Celtic music on St. Patrick’s Day weekend! A true celebration of Celtic culture, the Chorale will be joined by St. Louis Irish Arts, who will provide ancestral Irish instrumentation and performances by Irish dancers. A reception that gives guests a taste of popular Celtic fare will close out the evening. We’ll transport audience members to a time when traditions where handed down through words and song and gatherings were intended to unify us all. 

How music can empower underserved youth

One of the most meaningful experiences a person can have is to be heard, to be understood. The Chorale is proud to examine the profound impact of arts education – where young people can learn to express their feelings and experiences – during the second in their series of Community Conversation Concerts. This immersive event will include a panel discussion, performances by the Chorale and local students, a multi-media presentation, and an opportunity to share insights with others during a post-performance reception. It’s one of our most important concerts of the year and will leave audiences feeling enlightened and empowered to be a part of the solution for youth who are just beginning to discover their own voices. 

Celebrate the holidays the Italian way at Christmas on the Hill! Just as you'd expect, St. Louis' famous Italian neighborhood hosts a festive celebration that includes traditional music, food and fun. The celebration begins at noon and ends with a free Christmas concert at 7 pm. The days' activities include a nativity walk, carriage rides, holiday crafts, storytelling and plenty of delicious Italian baked goods, cuisine and libations. The celebration wraps up with a tree lighting ceremony and free holiday concert at St. Ambrose Church. The tree lighting is at 5:45 pm. Then Babbo Natale (Santa Claus) arrives for a special appearance before everyone makes their way into the church for the concert at 7 pm. The concert is a mix of Italian and American Christmas favorites featuring the Women's Hope Chorale and soprano Kathryn Favazza. For more information, visit hillstl.org