This year, we’re cultivating a multicellular choir to grace Melbourne’s most beloved outdoor stage—the one and only Sidney Myer Music Bowl. And we want you to be part of it.

RISING’s Night Chorus is your chance to participate in our 2022 program of epic and intimate performance, art, music and food. We’re after the kind of singers who like to howl at the moon and bellow at the stars.

ADD YOUR VOICE TO THE MIX

Ideally, we’re on the hunt for experienced singers who’ve previously participated in choirs, choral groups, or group singing. In saying that, if you’ve got a set of pipes that can reach the Myer Bowl’s sails, we’d love to hear from you too. The opportunity is open to fully vaccinated people of all abilities and backgrounds, aged 18 years and over.

Singers will be required to attend Saturday rehearsals in the lead up to the event, before singing together live on stage, overlooking a frosty ice-skating rink. Your repertoire each night will be drawn from classic ‘80s hits, deconstructed for choral performance.

Let’s just say we can feel it coming in the air tonight. We’ve been waiting for this moment, all our lives, even. Oh Lord, it’s gonna be good. If you’re keen to participate, fill out the quick form via the link below. And if you need a hand applying, email us at nightchorus@rising.melbourne. Or, you can give us a call on 03 9662 4242 and leave a message with a time to call you back.

We look forward to hearing you soon.

Apply here

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Do I need to attend all 10 rehearsals?

A. Ideally you will attend 8 rehearsals in the lead up to the event, this can be adjusted to fit personal circumstances. The final 2 rehearsals are mandatory.

Q. Do I need to have a choral background to participate?

A. Ideally, we’re looking for singers with experience in choirs, choral groups, or group singing. However, the opportunity is open to all who are interested.

Q. Is there a rehearsal on the Easter weekend?

A. There will be a break in rehearsals over the Easter weekend. This will give us all a chance to recharge and do some practicing in the mirror.

Q. What do I need to bring to each rehearsal?

A. Make sure to bring water, a snack, your music and something to write with. If government regulations require it, remember to bring a mask.

Q. Can I attend rehearsals over Zoom?

A. No—all rehearsals will be in person.

Q. Do I need to wear a mask while singing?

A. Masks are not required, unless stipulated by government regulations at the time of the rehearsals. However, if you would feel more comfortable keeping one on, that’s OK.

Q. Do I need to be fully vaccinated to participate?

A. Yes, all participants will be asked to provide proof of vaccination.

Q. Can someone under 18 participate?

A. Sorry! All participants need to be 18 years of age or older.

Q. What are your safety precautions around COVID-19?

A. We’re working with the Victorian Government and the Department of Health to deliver COVID-Safe events for everyone. We recommend the current health advice on getting vaccinated, maintaining physical distancing, regularly washing your hands and wearing a mask when not singing, if required. You can get more information on everything we’re doing here.

Q. What if I become a close-contact, or test positive to COVID-19?

A. If you become a close-contact or test positive to COVID-19, please follow all current government guidelines. Let us know of your situation as soon as you can and don’t come to a performance or rehearsal.

Q. What is the rehearsal/performance schedule?

A. The rehearsal schedule will be finalised and communicated to you shortly. A rostered performance schedule will allow you to sign up to the times and dates you wish to perform.

Q. What if I’m not available for one of the performances?

A. To ensure we have enough singers at each call, performers will be required to attend a minimum of 3 calls per week. You’re also welcome to perform in as many additional performances as you like.

Q. Do I need to bring my own dinner to the performances?

A. The green room has limited amenities, so we’ll be providing snacks, tea and coffee for you before and between performances. You’ll also receive a food and beverage voucher to redeem at one of our pop-up restaurants.

Q. Can I bring my family and friends? Do I get any complimentary passes?

A. Each chorister will be given 8 complimentary passes to attend the broader exhibition within which the choir sits. You are also welcome to purchase additional tickets. Please note that the site will be licensed, people under the age of 18 will need to be accompanied by a guardian while the choir is performing.

Q. What time do I need to arrive at the Bowl, and where do I go once I’m there?

A. There will be two performances per night at 5.30PM and 8.30PM. Singers in the 5.30PM performance will need to arrive at stage door no later than 4.30PM, to warm up and change into your costume. For singers in the 8.30PM performance, please arrive at stage door no later than 7.30pm.

Q. How long is each call and performance?

A. There will be 16 performances between June 1—12, spread across Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. Each 3-hour call time below takes into account arrival time and setup.

A performance roster will be circulated, allowing you to sign-up to the dates and times you wish to perform.

| | WED 1, 8 JUNE | THU 2, 9 JUNE | FRI 3, 10 JUNE | SAT 1, 11 JUNE | | ----------------- | ----------------- | ----------------- | ----------------- | ----------------- | | Early Call | 4:30-7:30 | 4:30-7:30 | 4:30-7:30 | 4:30-7:30 | | Late Call | 7:30-10:30 | 7:30-10:30 | 7:30-11 | 7:30-11 |