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Open Call for Voices Festival Choir

Love singing in harmony, flexing your vocal cords and getting to know the choral community?

 

Join the 2026 edition of Esplanade’s Voices Festival Choir (VFC), an exciting annual choral programme for youth choristers, who audition and rehearse to be part of a well-toned ensemble. Come and participate in various choral activities scheduled to take place on 4 & 25 Oct, 24, 25, 29 & 30 Nov, and 1, 3 – 6 Dec, all of which lead up to Esplanade’s Voices – a Festival of Song on 3 – 6 Dec! During this period, choristers will have the opportunity to engage in a variety of rehearsal practices, be exposed to a diversity of repertoire and vocal styles, deepening their understanding of choral music.

 

In its fifth edition, the Voices Festival Choir will offer choristers the opportunity to collaborate with established local choral conductors Musicians’ Inc. 6 (MI6) in their very own finale concert at Esplanade Concert Hall on 6 Dec. The conductors in MI6 (Choy Siew Woon, Cherie Chai, Yong Chee Foon and Terrence Toh) will also serve as the main facilitators and conductors of the project and concert.

 

This programme aims to inspire youth choristers by introducing them to new aspects of choral singing and creating opportunities for them to connect with established professional groups. It is hoped that the knowledge and expertise from these artists will galvanise this young community, encourage them to keep on with the artform, and foster a desire for further learning in the future.

 

Key activities include:

 

  • Sectionals and rehearsals—participants will hone their musicianship, improve their vocal technique and understand new ways of approaching a wide range of choral music.
  • Two day camps in October, conducted by MI6, which will focus on fun and effective ways to build ensemble skills, musicianship and sightreading skills.
  • The opportunity to perform as Esplanade's Voices Festival Choir, in a full-length concert at the Esplanade Concert Hall.
  • The opportunity to take part in VFC-exclusive workshops and masterclasses, with various experts and regional artists.

“The VFC is a rare opportunity and a safe space for youths from all walks of life to share their love for music and singing, while learning from professional teachers and international artists who are very passionate about their craft. VFC is something that I look forward to each year, and for many VFC alumni, it is akin to a yearly reunion party. The friendships and musical experiences I have had with the VFC will always be kept close to my heart.“

– Teh Siew Qi, VFC ‘22–’25

“I learnt that to make choral music, everyone plays a part in singing with their heart while being disciplined about the vocal techniques we learnt from our conductors. Observing how the conductors interact with the choristers, I realise that it is something I can aspire to achieve. Learning a piece of music with the conductors' guidance brings about learning its context and musical ideas that I can implement in my interpretations and teachings in the future. I also thoroughly enjoyed the experience and learnt not only from the music professionals, but also the singers in the choir.“

– Tiong Wen Xuan, VFC ‘23–’25, VFC Chamber 25’

Joining VFC was a meaningful and eye-opening experience, making many new friends and uncovering the hidden potential in myself. Singing alongside incredibly talented individuals pushed me to grow—especially in sight-reading and vocal technique—and taught me to stay humble and learn from everyone around me. This journey not only improved my skills but also affirmed music as something I truly want to pursue in the future.

– Tan Yi Min, VFC '24-’25