The history of choral music performance at the University of Colorado is a long and illustrious one. Over the past 100 years, countless students have participated in the College’s select mixed choruses, madrigal and "town and gown" ensembles, and men’s and women’s choruses. Choirs from CU have toured Europe and Asia. They have also participated in international choral festivals and competitions. This exciting tradition of choral music continues today.

Choral ensembles from campus visit Colorado high schools regularly. The year's activities typically culminate in the spring when the combined choirs join forces with the University Symphony Orchestra in the presentation of a major work for chorus and orchestra. Recent performances have included Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, Verdi's Requiem, Orff's Carmina Burana, Stravinsky's Les Noces, and Brahms' Requiem.

The College of Music sponsors six choral organizations. While specializing in different types of literature, each is open to all university students by audition.

University Singers is a choir of selected graduate students. The Singers have received critical acclaim for their sensitive and musical performances of music from plainsong to the avant garde. The ensemble is best known for its diverse performances and for hosting the CU Madrigal Festival for high school students. Joan Catoni Conlon is the conductor.

University Choir, founded in 1938, is an organization of highly select undergraduate voices. The choir performs a wide range of music from the Renaissance through Contemporary and popular idioms. The ensemble has received enthusiastic standing ovations for their recent performances at international, national, and regional professional music conventions and competitions. The conductor is Lawrence Kaptein.

The Collegiate Chorale is a select mixed ensemble of 60 voices, composed primarily of freshman and sophomore singers. Emphasis is placed on vocal improvement through the singing of varied choral literature of high quality.

The University Women’s Chorus and Golden Buffalo Men’s Chorus are devoted to the study and performance of literature for these voices. These ensembles’ goals include the development of individual and group vocal skills and an enhanced appreciation of the music of all periods and styles. The groups frequently make off-campus appearances throughout the year, including performances at athletic and fund-raising events. The conductor of the Golden Buffalo Men's Chorus is Jim Keller.

The Colorado Conductors Chorus is a graduate-level ensemble open to choral directors and music educators working in the Boulder-Denver metropolitan area. This unique mixed choir provides participants with the opportunity to join with like-minded choral professionals to rehearse and perform challenging, diverse, and rewarding repertoire on a weekly basis. An opportunity for networking, discussion, and shared podium time are other important aspects of this ensemble experience. Rehearsals are each Monday evening. 2 credits. The principal conductor is Lawrence Kaptein.


Choral Ensemble Audition Information
Auditions will be held in Macky Auditorium Room 102 from August 18-21, 2009.  A sign-up sheet will be posted outside Macky 107.  The five-minute audition consists of singing simple scale patterns and a familiar song.  It is not necessary to prepare an audition piece. Non-music majors are strongly encouraged to audition.  Most CU choir members have majors other than music and receive Fine Arts credit for choral ensembles.  If you have questions, please call 303-492-8714.
 

Ensemble Contact Information:
Professor Lawrence Kaptein
Email: Kaptein@colorado.edu
Office Location: Room 107, Macky Auditorium
Office Phone: 303-492-8714
Mailing Address: 301 UCB, Boulder, CO 80309-0301