Opera Mississippi opens chorus auditions for 2026-27 season

Opera Mississippi is seeking singers for its 2026-2027 Opera Chorus, with auditions set for Oct. 24-25 in downtown Jackson and a registration deadline of Oct. 20. The chorus will support a season that includes The Barber of Seville, Carols and Classics and Stabat Mater, plus a Natchez performance of The Barber of Seville.

Why it matters: - Opera Mississippi is recruiting regional singers for a season that mixes opera, sacred music and holiday programming. - The chorus will support performances in Jackson and Natchez, expanding opportunities for community singers and the reach of the company’s 2026-2027 lineup. - There is no audition fee, lowering the barrier for students, professionals and amateur singers who want to participate.

What happened: - Opera Mississippi opened auditions for its 2026-2027 Opera Chorus. - Auditions are scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. - Auditions will be held at the Arts Center of Mississippi, 201 E. Pascagoula Street, next to Thalia Mara Hall in downtown Jackson. - Singers are asked to register by Oct. 20, 2026, so audition times can be scheduled. - Interested singers can find details and apply at auditions.

The details: - Casting is for Rossini’s The Barber of Seville on May 22, 2027, and for two collaborative concerts with the Galloway United Methodist Church Concert Choir. - The collaborative concerts are Carols and Classics on Dec. 18, 2026, and Rossini’s Stabat Mater on March 23, 2027. - The Barber of Seville will also be performed in Natchez, Mississippi, on Saturday, May 15, 2027. - Auditions are open to singers who live within driving distance of Jackson. - Community members, local and regional singers, professional and young artists, college music students and advanced high school music students are encouraged to apply. - All rehearsals and Jackson performances will take place in Jackson. - Singers should prepare one selection in a vocal style that reflects their training, ability and interests. - Acceptable repertoire includes opera, art song, musical theatre, gospel, jazz, pop and country. - Selections do not need to be memorized. - Singers may bring sheet music for the pianist or use recorded instrumental accompaniment. - Video auditions may also be submitted through the online application. - Rehearsals will generally begin five to seven weeks before each performance. - Rehearsals are set for Thursday evenings from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Galloway United Methodist Church, 305 N. Congress Street, Jackson, MS 39216. - Returning Opera Mississippi Chorus singers do not need to reaudition. - Returning singers should register their intention to participate by emailing Dr. Philip McCown at WorshipArts@gallowayumc.org. - Questions can be directed to Dr. Philip McCown, Chorus Master, at WorshipArts@gallowayumc.org or 706-263-9805.

Between the lines: - Opera Mississippi is leaning on chorus participation to staff a season that blends familiar opera repertoire with church-based concerts and holiday programming. - The open call to students, young artists and advanced high school singers suggests the company is using chorus auditions as both a performance pipeline and a training opportunity. - The short registration window makes early sign-up important for anyone hoping to secure an audition slot.

What's next: - Singers interested in joining the chorus should register before Oct. 20, 2026. - Opera Mississippi will hold auditions on Oct. 24-25 and then build the chorus for rehearsals beginning five to seven weeks before each performance. - Returning chorus members only need to confirm participation by email.