Singing is a natural activity for everyone. But singing in a choir is also a panacea from a psychological and social point of view; it means learning to listen to others, learning to follow the tempo, a direction, waiting for your turn, feeling part of a group and protagonists of an artistic project, and meeting many different people from your city united by a passion for music.
Being part of the Big Vocal Orchestra is even more.
It means being the protagonists of unique events in exceptional locations, accompanied by a steady guide to consolidate your vocal and stage skills in order to perform in front of thousands of people.
It means being the mosaic tile that makes up a one-of-a-kind work of art.
Do you want to become part of the BIG VOCAL ORCHESTRA?
Yes! It is not necessary to have studied singing or to know how to read sheet music (of course, those who can are at an advantage!). Our learning method is based on various supports (simplified sheet music, lyrics, translations and pronunciation, audio with the sung part, etc.). Learning the choral parts is consolidated during weekly rehearsals according to an effective method tested over many years.
Rehearsals are led by director Marco Toso Borella and include an initial vocal and postural warm-up. New pieces are periodically studied and those already in the repertoire are reviewed. During the rehearsal, the maestro focuses on explaining individual parts and the required interpretation. Ample space is dedicated to rehearsing choreography and stage presence. To train for intense concert activity, rehearsals are held strictly standing up.
Rehearsals take place on MONDAYS, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM at the Teatro dei Frari in Venice (a 5-minute walk from Piazzale Roma) and on WEDNESDAYS, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM at the Sala Santa Maria delle Grazie in Mestre (via Poerio, above the Libreria San Michele). Each choir member can decide where they prefer to attend rehearsals and eventually use the other rehearsal to make up for absences. The MONDAY rehearsal is the same as the WEDNESDAY one.
Rehearsals take place ONCE a week for TWO HOURS. In certain periods (when important concerts are being prepared) or for those who are still learning, it is also possible to participate in TWO weekly rehearsals.
Yes, section rehearsals or small group rehearsals are organized periodically.
Yes. Especially in the initial phase, when learning the songs, it is necessary to dedicate adequate time to studying the pieces at home. Once a good knowledge of the repertoire is reached, the learning of new songs will be periodic and gradual, shared with everyone during rehearsals.
Yes, there is an annual membership fee for the cultural association
From 18 years old and up. There are no age limits, but to participate in concerts it is necessary to be in good health and be able to handle the physical effort of singing while performing the required movements and standing for more than two hours.
To participate in rehearsals, it is necessary to pass an initial aptitude audition that verifies vocal pitch and stage coordination. Then, once rehearsals have been attended for a period (approximately 6 months), if the choir member wishes to participate in concerts and feels sufficiently prepared, they can take a second verification audition that evaluates the individual’s actual preparation on choral parts, lyrics, and movements. There are no mandatory timelines; it all depends on individual learning speed.
Of course, it is possible to attend only the rehearsals. In any case, it is not mandatory to participate in concerts.
No. Attendance at rehearsals is fundamental for participating in concerts because it is during rehearsals that one learns to blend their voice with others, as well as learning and consolidating stage movements. For this reason, attendance is recorded at every rehearsal even if it is not mandatory. In fact, the director will evaluate the adequate preparation of the choir members for concert call-ups, also considering rehearsal attendance.