The Göteborg Opera’s Chorus is one of Sweden’s three professional opera choruses. Our chorus performs in most of the opera productions on the Main Stage, as well as in concerts, smaller ensembles, and musicals. Occasionally, chorus members also perform solo roles. Great emphasis is placed on stage expression.
We are seeking to fill one permanent position in the second bass section of the opera’s chorus, starting with a probationary year from 1 July 2025. Additionally, we need a one-year substitute in the second bass section, starting on 1 July 2026, which will also be recruited through this audition.
Qualifications
To apply you must have completed a higher education degree in opera or music from a university-level institution and have stage experience from professional work in musical theatre. Previous employment in professional opera chorus is considered an advantage. Our working languages are Swedish and English. If you do not already speak Swedish, we expect you to learn the language during your first year of employment, as it is an essential part of our daily work.
Audition
The audition will take place on 13–14 April 2025, by personal invitation.
An initial selection process will be conducted in the afternoon of the first audition day (13 April), at which point candidates will be informed if they proceed to the second day (14 April). Further details regarding the audition process will be sent to invited applicants by 28 March 2025.
Requirements
Your application must include the following:
1. CV – including opera education, professional engagements/employment at opera houses, and language proficiency.
2. A personal letter explaining your motivation for applying, and a brief note on your future plans.
3. Video or audio recording of max. 60 sec. in which you are performing one opera aria of your choice
If you are invited to audition, please prepare the following:
Round 1 (13 April)
1. One of the following compulsory arias (performed from memory):
- Sarastro: "O Isis und Osiris"
- Fiesco: "Il lacerato spirito" (aria only, without recitative)
- Osmin: "O! wie will ich triumphieren"
- König Heinrich: "Mein Herr und Gott"
2. Ensemble test – 1–2 choral pieces, performed with piano. Sheet music will be provided with the personal invitation.
Round 2 (14 April)
1. Self-chosen aria – in a different language than the Round 1 aria, performed from memory with a simple stage direction given on-site just before the performance.
2. Another compulsory aria from the above list (but different to that chosen in Round 1), performed from memory.
3. Ensemble test – 1–2 choral pieces, performed with piano together with singers from the opera chorus Sheet music will be provided with the personal invitation.
4. Sight-reading/ear training test – A possible short exercise based on instructions from the Chorus Master (provided upon invitation to Round 2, the day before).
The audition jury will then make a comprehensive assessment of your audition, where ensemble tests and stage expression are as important as the arias.
Applications must be received by the Göteborg Opera no later than 14 March, 2025. Late applications will not be considered.
Please note, applications are only accepted via our recruitment system Varbi, which you reach by using the link below
We look forward to receiving your application!