2026-27 Season
The Planets
Mozart Requiem
Holiday Pops
The Nielsen Chorale welcomes all singers to audition for the upcoming 2026-2027 season!
As our ensemble continues to grow in skill and artistry, we are transitioning from a non-auditioned choir to an audition-based ensemble for all three levels of the organization. By embracing this model, we can provide the best musical experience for everyone involved—our choir members, collaborating musicians, and our supportive audience. Nielsen's new multi-level structure allows singers with varying degrees of expertise and commitment to contribute to the organization. The newly organized levels are detailed below.
Whether or not you have sung with us before, this is an opportunity to share your voice with a welcoming group of music lovers. Auditions are brief (8-10 minutes), relaxed, straightforward, and focused on helping us hear your unique sound.
Auditions will be held at St. Mark Lutheran Church, 675 N. Mulford Rd., Rockford, IL
We encourage you to embrace this opportunity with openness and positivity! Our goal is to highlight each singer’s talent, passion, and dedication in an environment that is affirming and encouraging. All this is vital to fostering the artistic excellence of the Nielsen Chorale, and each of you is an important part of our growth together.
Nielsen Chorale Organization Levels
Ancora: Ancora is a select vocal ensemble comprised of twelve auditioned singers who also serve as section leaders for all the ensembles. We will not be holding auditions for Ancora this upcoming season.
Chamber Choir: The Chamber Choir is an auditioned group of approximately 45 voices that forms the core of the full ensemble. These experienced singers are open to embracing new challenges, demonstrating flexibility and a willingness to grow artistically. Auditions for the Chamber Choir are closed for the fall session.
Chorale: The Chorale is our largest ensemble (approx. 80 voices) that performs at the Holiday Pops concerts and with the Rockford Symphony Orchestra in select larger masterworks. This group has historically been open to all, but we are moving to an audition-based model. This change will help us program appropriate and engaging repertoire, assign vocal parts, balance the sections optimally, assess singer skills, and ensure each member’s confidence in their contribution to the Chorale.
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Whether you are interested in singing, volunteering, supporting the arts, or attending concerts, the Nielsen Chorale welcomes you! Discover upcoming events, audition opportunities, and ways to support our mission.