The Eugene Symphony Chorus
The Eugene Symphony Chorus is a resident ensemble of the Eugene Symphony, performing for all major choral projects under the direction of newly appointed Chorus Director Naomi Castro. Its repertoire ranges from masterworks such as Handel’s Messiah and Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony to collaborations with film and other media, including Elf™ in Concert. The Chorus is made up primarily of volunteer singers from across the southern Willamette Valley, representing a wide range of ages and backgrounds, from high school students to retirees. A core ensemble of 32 semi-professional singers provides artistic continuity and a strong foundation for the group’s sound.
Please see below for more information about upcoming projects, rehearsals, and auditions for our 26/27 season!
Messiah Project
The first performance featuring our chorus, the Messiah, will be performed in December 2026. This project will have a condensed rehearsal schedule since so many of our singers participated in the Messiah performance in December 2025. Attendance at all engagements is mandatory unless cleared with the Chorus Director, Naomi Castro.
We will be using the same vocal score as our Messiah in 2025, the Novello edition with the orange/white cover.
Hanson & Shaw Project
The second project, scheduled in March 2027, will have regular rehearsals scheduled on Sundays until production week (March 9, 10, and 11, 2027). Please note the change in rehearsal day, which was made to avoid conflicts with Symphony concerts. Attendance at both dress rehearsals and performance is mandatory; known conflicts with other rehearsals must be communicated in advance to the chorus manager and be cleared by chorus director.
Vocal score details for this project will be shared when known.
Chorus Rehearsal Schedule
| Project | Weekday | Date | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Handel: Messiah | ||||
| Rehearsal: Messiah | Monday | Dec. 7, 2026 | 7:30-9:30pm | Hult Center |
| Rehearsal: Messiah | Tuesday | Dec. 8, 2026 | 7:30-9:30pm | Hult Center |
| Dress Rehearsal: Messiah | Friday | Dec. 11, 2026 | 6-10pm | Hult Center |
| Dress Rehearsal: Messiah | Saturday | Dec. 12, 2026 | 6-10pm | Hult Center |
| Performance: Messiah 3pm start | Sunday | Dec. 13, 2026 | approx. 2-5pm | Hult Center |
| Copland: Appalachian Spring & Lincoln Portrait | ||||
| Rehearsal: Hanson & Shaw | Sunday | Jan. 24, 2027 | 7:30-9:30pm | UO SOMD Rm 163 |
| Rehearsal: Hanson & Shaw | Sunday | Jan. 31, 2027 | 7:30-9:30pm | UO SOMD Rm 163 |
| Rehearsal: Hanson & Shaw | Sunday | Feb. 7, 2027 | 7:30-9:30pm | UO SOMD Rm 163 |
| Rehearsal: Hanson & Shaw | Sunday | Feb. 14, 2027 | 7:30-9:30pm | UO SOMD Rm 163 |
| Rehearsal: Hanson & Shaw | Sunday | Feb. 21, 2027 | 7:30-9:30pm | UO SOMD Rm 163 |
| Rehearsal: Hanson & Shaw | Sunday | Feb. 28, 2027 | 7:30-9:30pm | UO SOMD Rm 178 |
| Rehearsal: Hanson & Shaw | Sunday | Mar. 7, 2027 | 7:30-9:30pm | UO SOMD Rm 163 |
| Dress Rehearsal: Hanson & Shaw | Tuesday | Mar. 9, 2027 | approx. 6:30-10pm | Hult Center |
| Dress Rehearsal: Hanson & Shaw | Wednesday | Mar. 10, 2027 | approx. 6:30-10pm | Hult Center |
| Performance: Hanson & Shaw 7:30pm start | Thursday | Mar. 11, 2027 | approx. 6:30-10pm | Hult Center |
Auditions
NEW SINGERS: Auditions are required for new singers interested in joining the Eugene Symphony Chorus for the 2026/27 projects described above.
SECTION LEADERS: Any singer who would like to serve as a section leader for both projects this season may be required to schedule an audition with the chorus director. This includes singers who were appointed as section leaders last season; an audition may be required only if they wish to be considered for this role for the 2026-27 projects.
Auditions for new singers and section leaders will be scheduled in October 2026; date/location/details TBA.
Chorus Participation Survey(REQUIRED!)
Thank you for taking the time to read the details described above. Please fill out the Google survey below if you are interested in participating in the Eugene Symphony Chorus as a new or returning singer for this season, or if you are unable to join (but still want to be kept on our list of singers to be notified of future projects).
More details will be shared via email in the upcoming months, including rehearsal venue & parking and concert dress (but be assured there have been no big changes!).