Chorus

The Metropolitan Opera Announces Ongoing Mezzo & Alto Regular Chorus Auditions for the Upcoming 2025 - 2026 Season

The Metropolitan Opera Chorus offers unique and rewarding career opportunities for highly qualified performers.  We are currently seeking Mezzo [Alto 1] and Alto [Alto 2] candidates for the Regular Chorus. Auditions will take place on a rolling basis until all available positions are filled for rehearsals starting on August 4th, 2025.    

The Regular Chorus at the Metropolitan Opera offers 52 weeks of pay a year with 10 weeks paid time off, health and dental benefits, and a pension plan. The current starting weekly base salary for a Regular Chorister is $1,635.07, which rises to $2,043.85 in the 4th season of employment.  With overtime and additional benefits, a Regular Chorister can earn an estimated $150,000 to $175,000 a year depending on the repertoire performed.      

Classically trained professional singers interested in an opportunity in the Regular Chorus should fill out the form linked below.  Please note that if you are invited to audition, you will be asked to prepare from memory 3 to 5 arias and 2 choral excerpts.

Interested applicants should submit materials via the link provided here:  2025-2026 Met Chorus Mezzo/Alto Auditions Submissions 

Those who have already auditioned for Maestro Michael this past year do not need to apply. 

Requested information in the linked form includes:

  • Last Name, First Name; Voice Type; AGMA status (yes or no); Email & Mobile
  • Link to provide a current one-page resume and photo/headshot
  • Space to provide a link to a video recording of an operatic aria
  • Space for a list of no more than 5 operatic arias which will serve as your audition repertoire. The arias should demonstrate the applicant’s ability to sing lyrically. *Please see important guidelines at the bottom of this announcement for video submissions. 

Applications will be received on a rolling basis and the application link will be deactivated when all positions are filled. 

THE MET DOES NOT PROVIDE SPONSORSHIP FOR EMPLOYMENT VISA STATUS. 

Any singer who is offered employment and is not already a member of AGMA (American Guild of Musical Artists) will be required to join AGMA.

All applicants will be notified as to whether an audition has been granted.  It is not possible to share audition comments with the applicant.

ADDITIONAL SALARY INFORMATION

Rehearsals above base salary currently pay $87.45/hour. Overtime rates are paid under some circumstances, as provided in The Met’s agreement with AGMA. Performance extras are paid when applicable. All Chorus positions are hired as W2 employees. Rates for the 25/26 season will be established after completion and ratification of contract negotiations.

Similar information about the auditions may be found by contacting the following:

American Guild of Musical Artists
1430 Broadway 14th Floor
New York, NY  10018
(212) 265-3687

www.musicalartists.org

The Metropolitan Opera
Tilman Michael, Chorus Director
Daniel Hoy, Chorus Administrator
Lincoln Center
New York, NY  10023

The Metropolitan Opera believes that diversity is critical to our success and growth as a leading performing arts institution and we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool. Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative, at all job levels, of the communities we serve.

The Metropolitan Opera is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and existing employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions), national origin, citizenship status, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information (including characteristics and testing), military and veteran status, or any protected category prohibited by local, state or federal laws.

GUIDELINES FOR VIDEO OF ARIA

  • Provide a link to a video of your aria on a secure platform, i.e. YouTube or Vimeo. Audio-only files will not be accepted.
  • Video must have been made in the last 12 months, and be no longer than 7 minutes in duration
  • Selection must be sung from memory.
  • Video can be extracted from a performance, studio recording, or more informal home setting.
  • Video may be accompanied or an a cappella recording.
  • Singer can accompany him/herself.
  • Video can use orchestra backing.
  • Applicants need not introduce themselves or the aria as part of the recording.
  • Singers may wear headphones in video submission if needed.
  • Split screen for singer/accompanist is acceptable if needed.

SUBMITTING YOUR VIDEO

  • We recommend uploading your video on YouTube. When using YouTube, please note that you must select "public" or "unlisted" in the Privacy settings found under the broadcasting and Sharing Options section when uploading your video file. (If you select "private," adjudicators will not be able to access your submission.) Make sure your videos are easily accessible via your link.
  • Be sure that the video remains available for a minimum of six (6) months after the initial upload to facilitate the potential of an extended application and audition process.

For additional advisements on preparing video submission, Opera America has created a helpful guide found at:

https://www.operaamerica.org/media/br5jsqfz/remoteauditionsoa.pdf .