Ensembles

North Park University’s opera program is a cornerstone of the master of music in performance (MMP) degree program. Together with undergraduates, graduate candidates focus on techniques needed as a singer and actor, emphasizing movement, character analysis, and the dramatic relationship between stage action and music.

The Opera Workshop functions year-round with continuous vocal and dramatic coaching as students prepare for opera performances. Each fall semester, opera scenes with piano accompaniment are produced, giving students opportunities to explore more than one operatic role and style.

In alternating spring semesters, either a full opera production with orchestra or two one-act chamber operas give singers the opportunity to delve more deeply into the vocal demands of a full role as well as its dramatic realization.

Multiple opportunities exist for singing roles, including leads, in all operas through competitive auditions. Productions have included The Masque of Angels, The Marriage of Figaro, Susanna, Bartered Bride, Gianni Schicchi, The Medium, Dialogues of the Carmelites, Ba-Ta-Clan, Suor Angelica, Hansel and Gretel, and Cendrillon.

Meet the faculty

North Park’s opera program is directed and produced by expert faculty with extensive experience teaching and performing. Learn more about our music faculty and staff.

Audition Requirements 

• All students singing in University Choir, Upper Voice Chorale, and Chamber Singers must sign up for a short vocal skills assessment.  
• After the assessment, students will be automatically registered.  
• Assessments take place in Isaacson Chapel on Monday and Tuesday during the first week of class from 2:30–6:00 p.m.  
• Students do not need to prepare any music before the audition but are encouraged to warm up their voices to accurately demonstrate their range and tone quality. 

Chamber Singers  

• Small, select group of singers (both undergraduate and graduate students) that specializes in Renaissance and Baroque music 
• Multiple performances are presented on- and off-campus every year, and major tours are scheduled every second or third year. 
• Open to music majors and non-music majors by audition.  
• Directed by Dr. Julia Davids 

Gospel Choir 

• Performs contemporary sacred music from the spiritual and gospel genres.
• Performance opportunities include concerts, chapel services, and worship services at local churches. 
• The main choir is open to all singers, with no audition needed. A select ensemble of singers, drawn from the choir by audition, serves as a touring ensemble for the group. 
• Co-directed by Terrance Smith and Tracy Stingley. 

University Choir 

• Performs a varied repertoire of sacred and secular music. 
• Performs regularly on- and off-campus throughout the year, with periodic national and international touring opportunities. 
• Music majors and non-majors are welcome to audition.  
• Directed by Dr. Julia Davids 

Upper Voice Chorale 

• Performs a wide variety of music, including folk, popular, and religious songs; selections from cantatas; and classical pieces in Latin and French. 
• Open to music majors and non-music majors by audition.  

Worship Teams 

• Lead music for campus-wide chapel and Collegelife services throughout the school year.  
• Both vocalists and instrumentalists are welcome and lead music from a variety of worship traditions.  
• Open to both music majors and non-majors by audition. Email umin@northpark.edu for more information.  

Music ensembles are open to music majors and non-majors with some groups requiring auditions.  All auditions are held during the first week of fall classes. Some audition requirements are listed below; for more information, please contact the listed director or coordinator, or the Music Department office at (773) 244-5630. If you are interested in auditioning for the spring semester, please contact the ensemble director listed below.

University Orchestra, Tom Zelle

Please join us for rehearsal on the first Tuesday of class at 4:20 p.m. in Hanson Hall, Room 202. Bring your instrument. Following rehearsal, we’ll meet with you individually to talk and also ask you to play a piece and one, one-octave major scale.

University Choir, Upper Voice Chorale, Chamber Singers, Julia Davids

All students singing in University Choir, Upper Voice Chorale, and Chamber Singers need to sign up for a short vocal skills assessment. After the assessment, students will be automatically registered based on placement. Assessments take place in Isaacson Chapel Monday and Tuesday during the first week of class from 2:30–6:00 p.m. Students do not need to prepare any music in advance of the audition but are encouraged to warm up their voices so that they can accurately demonstrate their range and tone quality.

Opera and Theatre, George Cederquist

Students—including non-majors—do not need to audition for opera or theatre workshops; simply enroll in the course, or contact George Cederquist, producing artistic director of opera and theatre, with questions.

Jazz Ensemble, Joe Lill

Please join us on the first Monday of class at 4:20 p.m. in Hamming Hall. Bring your instruments and a writing utensil. Information will be shared regarding registration, instrument needs, etc.

Concert Band, Joe Lill

Please join us on the first Tuesday of class at 4:20 p.m. in Hamming Hall. Bring your instruments and a writing utensil. Information will be shared regarding registration, instrument needs, etc.

Gospel Choir, Terrance Smith

Please join us for rehearsal on the first Tuesday of class at 6:30 p.m. in Anderson Chapel.

Chamber Music, Eugenia Jeong

Strings: See University Orchestra; Professor Thomas Jefferson will attend the first orchestra rehearsal with Professor Tom Zelle and provide instruction

Woodwinds, Brass, and Percussion: See Concert Band; Professor Eugenia Jeong will attend the first rehearsal with Professor Joe Lill and provide instructions

Vocalists and Pianists: Contact Eugenia Jeong