Bel Canto, the premier, classically trained, community-based choir for treble voices (female and unchanged male voices) in the greater Chico area, is holding auditions for their 2016-17 season.  This exclusive choir of 14-18 singers is part of the well-known Children’s Choir of Chico, with choirs and choral music experiences for singers from infants through adult women.  The singers of Bel Canto share a common passion: an intense love of singing and performing a variety of music with a high level of artistry.

Experienced singers in grades 8-12 are invited to audition with conductor Susan Tevis on August 22 or 24, 4:30-5:30pm.  This auditioned choir performs advanced choral repertoire including works in various languages, cultures, and styles.  Bel Canto performs in two CCOC concerts each year, and is the guest choir for various community organizations and events.  A special performance project for 2016-17 will a collaboration with Opera Workshop at Chico State for a production of the children’s opera “Little Sweep” by Benjamin Britten.

2016-17 performances will include a guest appearance on the Glorious Sounds of the Season (CSU Chico) in addition to CCOC Fall & Spring Concerts. In summer 2015 members of Bel Canto traveled and performed with Chico Community Choirs in Prague, Salzburg and Vienna.  Bel Canto singers are planning to travel within the United States to participate in a choral festival in summer 2017.

Auditions may be scheduled with the conductor, Susan Tevis, by contacting Children’s Choir of Chico at 342-2775 or childrenschoir@att.net. Regular rehearsals begin on Monday, August 29, from 4:30-6:00pm at the new home of CCOC, Floral Avenue Arts Center, 2500 Floral Avenue, Suite 30, Chico.   Interested singers are encouraged to contact the CCOC Office for an audition appointment prior to the rehearsal retreat and first rehearsal.