Charleston Reporter

Many art companies have had a hard time surviving the struggles brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, but Charleston's renowned Spoleto Festival USA, which recently announced the creation of a new professional choir, appears to be thriving.

Members of the new choir, called the Spoleto Festival USA Chorus, will be the choir for Spoleto's operas and take part in special performances, according to a Spoleto Festival press release.

"For many years, young artists in the Westminster Choir served as the Festival's resident chorus, first under the direction of Joseph Flummerfelt and subsequently with Joe Miller," Nigel Redden, Spoleto Festival general director, said in the release. "Young singers have always been an integral and beloved part of the Festival's fabric, and these exquisite voices will continue to fill Charleston's performance halls for years to come." 

The release noted the chorus would be made up of more than 50 professional singers. 

Auditions are scheduled Oct. 23 in Cincinnati, Nov. 6 in New York, Nov. 12 in Houston, and Nov. 13 in Charleston, according to the release. 

Singers have to submit their applications by the Oct. 15 deadline in order to audition.

The press release stated that Miller, who is also director of the Spoleto Festival's choral activities, will serve as conductor for the Spoleto Festival USA Chorus, which will be held May 27-June 12, 2022, in downtown Charleston historic theaters and concert halls.