Founded in 1985, Choral Arts Ensemble (CAE) has established a reputation as one of the finest choral groups in the region. CAE performs a wide range of choral repertoire, emphasizing a cappella singing of music from the Renaissance to the twenty-first century. A nonprofit organization, CAE is governed by a Board of Directors with an annual budget of over $300,000 and managed by paid staff with offices at Assisi Heights. CAE is committed to its mission to inspire, educate, and enrich the community at large through outstanding choral performances.

 

Rehearsals are 6:45 - 9:45 p.m. on Tuesdays.    Friday dress rehearsals are also called the week of each concert series. There are four regular concert series in a typical season, plus several non-season concert opportunities, including our annual benefit, A Singing Valentine.  

 

Approximately 48 singers (SATB) will be accepted to sing with CAE each year.   Auditions for solo opportunities will be held throughout the season as needed.

 

Scheduled auditions for Choral Arts Ensemble are held each year in the spring, although we will hear interested singers on a case-by-case basis throughout the year. Any interested adult singer in the SE MN region with musical background (preferably with experience singing the repertoire CAE presents) may audition; all singers must audition annually. The 10-minute audition consists of tonal memory and rhythm exercises, sight-singing, and range tests. 

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Auditions for the 2022 - 2023 Season concluded on May 26, 2022

However, interested singers may be heard throughout the summer & season

to fill positions that may become available.  Please complete the Singer Information Form.

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Requirements

• Experience in choral singing

• Ability to learn music quickly and independently

• Conscientious advanced preparation before rehearsals​

• Full vaccination against COVID-19 is required to participate in 2022-2023, and additional safeguard measures may be in place during rehearsals and concerts.  

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Benefits to singers

• Opportunity to perform with a professional conductor, accomplished peers, and professional instrumentalists from SE MN

• Opportunity to perform a variety of challenging repertoire - from Renaissance masterworks to 20th-century works & newly commissioned pieces

• Rehearsal & performance space, office support, and publicity provided

• Educational opportunities/enrichment to other musical pursuits

• Soloist opportunities

• Music and learning mp3s &/or CDs provided

• Congenial environment/opportunity to befriend those with similar interests

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Expectations of singers

• Be on time and be prepared for a great rehearsal

• Attend all regular rehearsals. If necessary, one absence per concert series is allowed – more than that needs to be discussed with the conductor.

• Make a season-long commitment. 

• CAE does not request any dues, but we would appreciate any financial donation you can give.

• Assist with the success of the  Annual Benefit in February.

• Make a concerted effort to participate in as many extra performances as possible.

• Be an advocate for Choral Arts Ensemble and all arts within the community.

 

Concert Attire

• Men:  Standard black tux with a (backless) 3-button vest. A black shirt & tie with a black coat and pants for more informal situations.

• Women:  Black floor-length dress, available from performer supply catalog Formal Fashions, Inc. The dress comes in all sizes and costs about $80.00. Choral Arts Ensemble will place a group order after the season's first rehearsal.

 

Concerts in 2022 - 2023 Season -  Concerts will follow CDC, State, and Venue COVID-19 safety measures.

• Oct. 16, 2022 - Sunday afternoon concert at Zumbro Lutheran Church

• Nov. 19, 2022 - MN State ACDA - CAE to sing at the conference in Mahtomedi

• Dec. 9 - 11, 2022 - Christmas with Choral Arts Ensemble Friday & Saturday evening concerts + Sunday afternoon concert. 

• Feb. 11, 2023 - A Singing Valentine (Our annual benefit)

• Feb. 27, 2023 - Annual HS Choral Festival ~ Singing for Life 

• Mar. 11 & 12, 2023 - Saturday evening & Sunday afternoon concerts

• May 6, 2023 - Concert at Assisi Heights with likely pre-concert reception & talk.

• June 6, 2023 - Community Sing - Date & location TBD