Memphis Symphony Chorus
The Memphis Symphony Chorus is an integral part of the Memphis Symphony Orchestra family and a fan favorite. The Memphis Symphony Chorus is led by interim Artistic Director, Joseph Powell and performs between 2 and 5 concerts per season with the Memphis Symphony Orchestra. Since its formation in 1965, the Memphis Symphony Chorus has attracted excellent, volunteer vocalists from around the Mid-South. Performances are held at the Cannon Center in Downtown Memphis.
The Chorus began in 1965 when Maestro Vincent De Frank needed a chorus to present the Symphony’s first Pops Concert. He asked musician Sara Beth Causey to send out notice and 30 singers responded that first year. Today the Chorus is 120 members strong, performing under the direction of Maestro Robert Moody and Joseph Powell.
In a perfect collaboration of orchestral and vocal musicians, the chorus has performed major works across the entire spectrum of classical choral music, opera choruses, and concert pops repertoire.
The Chorus also performs each year with the Symphony in the very popular Handel’s Messiah, Magic of Memphis holiday show, and participates in performances around the Mid-South with the Memphis Symphony. To learn more about the Memphis Symphony Chorus please visit www.memphissymphonychorus.org.
Memphis Symphony Chorus Conductor
Now accepting applications for Chorus Conductor (part-time/contract) to provide artistic leadership for the Memphis Symphony Chorus, including weekly rehearsals, auditions and recruitment, and preparation for choral and choral-orchestral performances across the season. The Chorus Conductor collaborates closely with the MSO Music Director and staff to deliver high-quality performances that support the orchestra’s artistic vision.
Apply by Friday, January 30, 2026.
Apply: Send a cover letter, résumé/CV, three short conducting samples (including at least one rehearsal video), and three references to Karen Canty, Director of Artistic Operations at karen.canty@memphissymphony.org.
Chorus Membership & Audition Process
Chorus membership grows through a twice-yearly audition process.
Being a professional vocalist is not a prerequisite for acceptance; however, one must have in equal proportion vocal skill, ability to read music, a love for great choral music, as well as the time and energy to devote to a weekly Monday rehearsal schedule during the season. Each new season for the Chorus begins in the late summer and lasts through their final performance, usually in May.