Sing Your Heart Out: Auditions Underway for Verismo Opera Chorus

If you've ever thought about appearing on stage and singing your heart out, the NJ Association of Verismo Opera wants you. The Fort Lee-based nonprofit continues its season, "A Year of Love, Suicide, and Tragedy," presenting authentic, grand opera productions. On Wednesday, auditions began and continue into March for new members to join the Verismo Opera Chorus.

“We invite youngsters and adults with a willingness to sing in great operas to join the Verismo Opera Chorus. Our company is known for providing the crucial training and support to the stars of tomorrow,” said Verismo Opera Artistic Director and Metropolitan Opera star Lucine Amara.

Choristers will appear in the company’s productions of Il Trovatore on April 22 and Madama Butterfly in the fall at the Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) in Englewood and other venues. The company draws singers from throughout New Jersey, New York City and the surrounding area. All the productions showcase the best in music with a professional touch. 

“The masterworks we perform contain some of the most beautiful and beloved music of all time. As a chorister, a singer can be part of that, even though they are not singing a 'leading' role. This is thrilling, and our productions, with great scenery, costumes, a wonderful orchestra and first class soloists, provide a performing experience of the highest quality,” explained Chorus Director Mara Waldman.

“We offer this experience to our community, both as audiences and participants; therefore we want to reach out to singers of all levels." she said. "We require basic reading skills and singing ability, as I train in both the music and language, and provide a vocal warm- up at each rehearsal. Of course, some 'homework' is required to get the music memorized, but it is exciting to get on stage at the end and be part of a wonderful musical event.”

Fort Lee resident Gianni Simone, president and a co-founder of the opera company, has been a member of the Verismo Opera Chorus for 22 years, performing in several of the company’s productions. He pointed out that recruiting new choristers is essential for the next production of Il Trovatore.

“The vocal score requires a minimum of 20 male singers -- five first tenors, five second tenors, five baritones, five basses and 23 women -- eight first sopranos, seven second sopranos and eight altos/mezzos to perform in the chorus,” Simone said.

The benefits people receive joining the chorus last a lifetime, he continued.

“They have the opportunity to work with one of the finest chorus directors in the U.S., Mara Waldman," he said. "An adult with or without voice training can experience the full range of an opera production -- voice projection, costumes, sets, orchestra, and more.  Members of the chorus get free training both in vocal production, as well as stage movement.  This is training that costs lots of money today that Verismo Opera provides practically free.”

Simone explained that with more arts programs being reduced or cut completely in schools, Verismo Opera offers much to students and their families. 

“This is a great opportunity for a youngster in middle school or high school, who is interested in pursuing a career as an opera singer, a performing artist, actor, or in another field to gain experience and to overcome stage fright.” he said.

Longtime chorister Angie Costantini, a realtor by day at Coldwell Banker, encourages people from all professions to join. 

“Most of the people in the chorus have day jobs," she said. "They sing with the Verismo Opera Chorus for different reasons.  It’s so much fun being a part of the chorus. This gives me a creative outlet and I encourage others to come to a rehearsal and try out. I keep going back. I receive vocal coaching and training and have appeared in several productions … Il Trovatore going on three times, Carmen, La Boheme three times, Lucia di Lammermoor. For some productions, I’ve even done small, non-speaking parts on-stage,” she said.

Although Verismo Opera is a locally based opera company, make no mistake. A professional approach is evident and appreciated by the audience. 

“Each production is heavily researched to be authentic for the period of the opera being performed." said Costantini. "For example, we learned how to curtsy correctly, how to interact with the opposite sex in a scene from a specific time period, among other things. I always bring people with me to see the opera productions. They are always surprised at how well done they are and how professional are the performances.”

Chorus Coordinator Mary Ellen Rohon, a pioneer in educational television and co-host of the Eastern Educational Television Network’s “Fun at One,” begins her ninth season with the Verismo Opera Chorus. A love of opera and singing drew her to Verismo, and she encourages others to join. 

“I’m not a professional singer. I’ve had no voice training, but I’ve been an opera enthusiast for many years. I tell others to get involved in the Verismo Opera Chorus even if you don’t know how to read music. Sing next to someone who does and learn how to do it,” she said.

Auditions Now Underway

Auditions continue on Wednesdays, Feb. 1, Feb. 15, Feb. 29, March 14 and March 28 from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. at 44 Armory St. in Englewood. Applicants should bring one or two songs to perform. An accompanist will be provided. Sight-reading of music is definitely a plus, but not necessary. No prior stage experience is required. An application may be downloaded from Versimo Opera's website and brought to the audition.

Choristers will rehearse for the upcoming production of Il Trovatore on Wednesdays from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Two weeks before the performance, they will learn and rehearse stage movements on Saturdays from 1 to 3:30 p.m.

With all the free vocal and stage training provided, singers are only required to pay an annual fee of $55 to cover the cost of the sheet music and commit to help sell production tickets to Il Trovatore and/or Madama Butterfly at a discount price to family members, friends and colleagues.

For information or to schedule an appointment to audition for the chorus, call (201) 886-0561.