Auditions
Photo: Ken Howard/Metropolitan Opera
The Metropolitan Opera Announces Chorus Auditions for the 2025 - 2026 Season
The Metropolitan Opera Chorus and Extra Chorus offer unique and rewarding career opportunities for highly qualified performers. Classically trained professional singers who have been invited to audition should be prepared to sing two operatic arias in different languages from memory. Selections should demonstrate the applicant’s ability to sing lyrically. An accompanist will be provided. All qualified applicants will be considered for Full Time (Regular) and Extra Chorus positions for the Metropolitan Opera's 2025-2026 season.
Applicants should submit materials via the link provided here: Met Chorus 25-26 Auditions Application
Requested information in the linked form includes:
Last Name, First Name; Voice Type; AGMA status (yes or no); Email & Mobile
Link to provide a current one-page resume and photo/headshot
Space for a list of no more than 5 operatic arias, two of which will be selected as your audition repertoire. The aria should demonstrate the applicant’s ability to sing lyrically. *Please see important guidelines at the bottom of this announcement for video submissions.
Space to indicate your 1st and 2nd audition session preferences from the dates below.
Auditions will be granted by invitation only, and will be held at the following times:
Session #1 Wednesday, December 18th, 2024 2:15pm to 5:15pm
Session #2 Friday, January 10th, 2025 2:30pm to 5:30pm
Session #3 Tuesday, January 14th, 2025 2:45pm to 5:15pm
Session #4 Thursday, January 16th, 2025 2:45pm to 5:15pm
Applications must be received on or before 11:59PM EST, 12/6/24. Submissions received after this date, regardless of transmission time, will not be considered. If a particular audition date is required, it is advisable to submit one’s application well in advance of the submission deadline.
THE MET DOES NOT PROVIDE SPONSORSHIP FOR EMPLOYMENT VISA STATUS.
Any singer who is offered employment and is not already a member of AGMA (American Guild of Musical Artists) will be required to join AGMA.
All applicants will be notified as to whether an audition has been granted. It is not possible to share audition comments with the applicant. If you have any questions regarding the auditions, please email: Chorus@metopera.org.
SALARY INFORMATION
Rehearsals currently pay $87.45/hour. Overtime rates are paid under some circumstances, as provided in The Met’s agreement with AGMA. Performances currently pay $341.20/performance performed. Performance extras are paid when appropriate. All Chorus positions are hired as W2 employees. Rates for the 25/26 season will be established after completion of contract negotiations.
Similar information about the auditions may be found by contacting the following:
American Guild of Musical Artists
1430 Broadway 14th Floor
New York, NY 10018
(212) 265-3687
www.musicalartists.org
The Metropolitan Opera
Tilman Michael, Chorus Director
Daniel Hoy, Chorus Administrator
Lincoln Center
New York, NY 10023
The Metropolitan Opera believes that diversity is critical to our success and growth as a leading performing arts institution and we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool. Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative, at all job levels, of the communities we serve.
The Metropolitan Opera is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and existing employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions), national origin, citizenship status, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information (including characteristics and testing), military and veteran status, or any protected category prohibited by local, state or federal laws.
GUIDELINES FOR VIDEO OF ARIA
Provide a link to a video of your aria on a secure platform, i.e. YouTube or Vimeo. Audio-only files will not be accepted.
Video must have been made in the last 12 months, and be no longer than 7 minutes in duration
Selection must be sung from memory.
Video can be extracted from a performance, studio recording, or more informal home setting.
Video may be accompanied or an a cappella recording.
Singer can accompany him/herself.
Video can use orchestra backing.
Applicants need not introduce themselves or the aria as part of the recording.
Singers may wear headphones in video submission if needed.
Split screen for singer/accompanist is acceptable if needed.
SUBMITTING YOUR VIDEO
We recommend uploading your video on YouTube. When using YouTube, please note that you must select "public" or "unlisted" in the Privacy settings found under the broadcasting and Sharing Options section when uploading your video file. (If you select "private," adjudicators will not be able to access your submission.) Make sure your videos are easily accessible via your link.
Be sure that the video remains available for a minimum of six (6) months after the initial upload to facilitate the potential of an extended application and audition process.
For additional advisements on preparing video submission, Opera America has created a helpful guide found at:
https://www.operaamerica.org/media/br5jsqfz/remoteauditionsoa.pdf .
