The Manhattan Choral Ensemble

Auditions and Open Rehearsals on Thursday, March 18 and March 25

The MCE is looking for experienced singers to join a dynamic musical organization celebrating its tenth anniversary season.

The Manhattan Choral Ensemble is an exciting, 40-voice independent choir dedicated to the passionate performance of an international and historically varied repertoire. In celebration of New York City's rich and diverse heritage, the MCE performs in historic New York spaces and creates concert events in partnership with the city's cultural organizations. The MCE also fosters the musical life of the city through its innovative commissioning project - New Music for New York - focused on New York City composers.

Handel and Muhly: Israel in Egypt - Friday, June 11, at Symphony Space - The MCE's 10th anniversary season culminates in a groundbreaking performance of Handel's Israel in Egypt, for double choir and orchestra, paired with a world premiere by Nico Muhly, one of the country's hottest young composers. Creator of the film score for The Reader, starring Kate Winslet, and collaborator with Bjork and Rufus Wainwright, Muhly is also known for his choral compositions, including the 2005 MCE premiere I Cannot Attain Unto It. Muhly's new introduction for Handel's seldom-performed oratorio reminds us that back in 1739, Handel, too, was avant-garde, bringing to life the 10 Plagues of Egypt and the Exodus with sounds no one had ever heard before.

We invite you to audition for the MCE at Church for All Nations, located at 417 West 57th Street. Auditions will consist of sight-reading, vocal exercises and an optional prepared piece. Auditioners will be expected to have some sight-reading ability, and prior choral experience is preferred. Please write to Auditions@ManhattanChoralEnsemble.org with "Auditions" in the subject for more information or to schedule an audition, and explore our website at www.ManhattanChoralEnsemble.org for more information about the choir. Please indicate your voice part and prior choral singing experience when requesting an audition slot.

Audition dates:

• Thursday, March 18
  6:30-7:30pm, Auditions
  7:30-9pm, Open Rehearsal - All are welcome.
  9pm-10pm, Auditions
• Thursday, March 25
  6:30-7:30pm, Auditions
  7:30-10pm, Open Rehearsal - All are welcome.
  10pm - 11pm, Auditions (if necessary)

IMPORTANT: The MCE rehearses regularly on Thursday nights from 7:30pm to 10pm at the Church for All Nations (although we are not a religiously affiliated choir) on West 57th Street. Those auditioning must be able to commit to both the rehearsal schedule and the concert dates. We look forward to singing with you!