THE CHOIR DIRECTED BY MARCO TOSO BORELLA
Big Vocal Orchestra
THE CHOIR OF VENETIAN CITIZENS
With its more than 300 members, the Big Vocal Orchestra is the largest choir in Italy and one of the largest permanent choirs in the world, a true artistic phenomenon of the city of Venice, famous nationwide.
A single, enormous choir that surprises with the imposing effect of the quantity of voices and engages the audience through the choice of an absolutely original and unpredictable repertoire, interpreted with great scenic and emotional impact.
The group was founded in 2012 by Marco Toso Borella, an eclectic Muranese artist and singer with a long choral career behind him, who handles the direction, arrangements, lyrics, and the choreographic and scenic apparatus.
Images from the most recent concert in St. Mark’s Square, from the Doge’s Palace (December 29, 2025)
A "MADE IN VENICE" PHENOMENON
What makes this choral reality even more exceptional is the fact that such a high artistic level is achieved by “non-professional” choristers and that the show—from the solo voices to the choreography, theatrical readings, sets, and video effects—is entirely created with internal human resources who are in all respects part of the choir.
No special guests, no dance troupes, no orchestra to supplement the artistic quality of the group: just a band of three musicians (piano, bass, drums) and many voices, the talents next door, grown within the group.
A "BIG EXPERIENCE"
A work of art that goes beyond the boundaries and traditional conception of a choir: the concerts conceived by Marco Toso Borella are indeed all-round shows, in which the choristers are protagonists in various ways: they sing, accompany the voice with scenic movements and choreography, interpret vibrant solo parts and theatrical readings, composing in many different nuances a true artistic “experience” in which the audience is involved and overwhelmed by the power and quality of the voices.
BIG VOCAL ORCHESTRA
8:20
11:11
5:42
12:29
2:52
6:47
3:48
4:31
5:00
6:33
2:59
THE SOCIAL VALUE OF THE ARTISTIC PROJECT
Significant precisely for the number of voices involved, as well as for the audience response, is the social value of this “artistic universe” conceived by Marco Toso Borella, which has consolidated its value as a cultural and musical driving force but has at the same time been able to build a precious “weaving” of relationships, a true social network that saw its peak expression precisely during COVID.
Over the years, the group has become aware that while the artistic quality of the musical show grew, the profound social and cultural impact of the proposal manifested itself in parallel. In fact, over 300 Venetian citizens gravitate within the group, corresponding to as many families with related contacts and relatives: a true community of people united by a passion for music and choral singing, who meet weekly, even twice a week, to work together, having fun and challenging themselves to grow and overcome their limits.
The project also has a strong “cultural” value when, as with the La Voce Grande di Venezia initiative, some of the most significant places in the city’s history are chosen, inhabiting them artistically and allowing other citizens to get to know them better and appreciate them with a multidisciplinary artistic gaze.
STAFF
Such a large and complex group is actually managed by a very small staff.
In the multiplicity of his talents, Marco Toso Borella personally oversees every aspect of his artistic projects, supported since 2022 for the management of the association’s activities and the organization of concerts by only two people: Francesca Bellemo and Eleonora Toso.
Both raised on stage with him, as well as leading voices of his choral groups, they are two professionals in communication, marketing, and event organization and have contributed significantly to the development of the artistic project in recent years, providing full operational support in realizing the Maestro’s creative insights.
Marco Toso Borella
FOUNDER and DIRECTOR
Founder and hub of the entire artistic universe involving the Big Vocal Orchestra, Marco Toso Borella handles the direction and artistic management of every project, starting from the arrangements, lyrics, choreography, and show concepts. He personally manages the weekly rehearsals of the choral groups.
He has always coordinated and supervised every organizational aspect and the entire project orientation of the groups.
Francesca Bellemo
Long-time solo voice, she has supported the Maestro for over 20 years in all his artistic and cultural initiatives. Her decade-long choral, dance, and stage experience is spent at the service of the group’s growth during weekly rehearsals.
She handles relations with institutions, the press, and communication. She is responsible for the organization of events.
Eleonora Toso
Raised on stage since she was a child, she enriches the group with her solo voice and her decade-long dance experience, following in particular the choreographic and scenic care of the shows during weekly rehearsals.
She collaborates across all communication and event organization activities, taking care especially of social media and promotional activities.
MUSICIANS
All Big Vocal Orchestra concerts are accompanied by only three musical instruments: piano, bass, and drums.
The professionals who alternate on stage and support the group’s weekly rehearsals are Francesco Carlon and Andrea Barduca (piano), Daniele Vianello (bass), Igor Checchini and Paolo Busolin (drums).
TECHNICAL STAFF
Big Vocal Orchestra concerts require technical setups of the highest professional level, for which the team relies on a trusted technical staff for both audio and lighting services: AFS service by Andrea Furlanetto and SG servizi teatrali.
The group also relies on professional videomakers and photographers for video-photographic documentation.
A constant presence in the technical team is Paolo Zaniol, who has always collaborated with the management in the processing of video material and the management of the digital archive.
VOLUNTEERS
Within the choir, a fundamental role is played by the group of volunteers who collaborate in the logistical and organizational management of the choristers. A precious and constant support in every rehearsal and every event alongside the management.
CHORISTERS
All choristers of the Big Vocal Orchestra are “amateurs” and therefore non-professionals. Regularly registered as members of the Penelope Cultural Association, they carry out their concert activities on a voluntary basis.
To participate as choristers in Big Vocal Orchestra concerts, it is necessary to be a member of the Penelope Cultural Association and attend the choir’s weekly rehearsals, and finally pass an aptitude audition to verify the individual’s actual vocal and choreographic preparation for the scheduled concerts.
Choristers are not required to know how to read music or have previous vocal or technical experience. With the study method consolidated and developed over the years and by attending weekly rehearsals, it is possible for everyone to learn the songs, movements, and some vocal basics, each respecting their own learning pace.
ONCE BIG, ALWAYS BIG
Many Venetian citizens have approached the Big Vocal Orchestra experience since 2012. Year after year, the choir has grown in number until reaching 300 members. Most of these constitute a stable core that has followed the activities and growth of the project for years, while others join year by year, always triggering new energy and enthusiasm.
Over time, some choristers have taken different paths, and some have had to stop participating due to health problems. We remember with affection the choristers who have left us, especially those who passed away prematurely due to illness. Among all, we remember Gianpaolo Zanatta, for years our soloist with a raspy voice, who passed away in 2025 due to a road accident.