Auditions ensemble core position soprano

Auditions ensemble core position soprano

We are currently looking for two sopranos to complete our core ensemble.

The Netherlands Bach Society is a renowned, world-class vocal and instrumental ensemble. For over a century, we have been dedicated to sharing the music of J.S. Bach with a global audience. We achieve this through more than sixty concerts annually, educational initiatives, talent development, and All of Bach—our online platform featuring high-quality recordings of Bach's works. The ensemble consists of approximately thirty musicians, including a core group of twelve singers.

We are currently looking for two sopranos to complete our core ensemble.

Profile
We are looking for professional singers with a high level of musicality, flexibility, and extensive experience in ensemble singing. While our primary focus is the baroque repertoire—specifically the works of Bach—our programming also includes polyphony, early baroque, and contemporary music.
A deep affinity for 17th- and 18th-century style is essential, as are excellent sight-reading skills. We seek singers who excel in an ensemble setting but are also confident performing soloistically, particularly in earlier repertoire.

  • Significant experience in historically informed performance is essential.
  • We prefer candidates who reside in the Netherlands and have Dutch tax residency. Musicians are contracted on a project-by-project basis. While musicians living abroad are welcome to apply, please note that accommodation is not provided and only travel expenses within the Netherlands are reimbursed.
  • Fees are paid according to the CLA music ensembles (CAO muziekensembles).
  • The successful candidate will be invited for a trial period to become a core member of the Netherlands Bach Society.
  • As a core member, you are required to sing at least 50% of the offered projects per season and participation in either the Christmas project and/or the St. Matthew Passion project each season is mandatory.
  • Multiple candidates may be selected for a trial period.

Procedure: applications, auditions and trials

  • Auditions will take place on April 10, 2026, at the Berenkuil, Biltstraat 166 in Utrecht and will be live only (not online).
  • The application deadline is March 8, 2026. Please complete the application form.
  • Selection for the auditions is based on the assessment of the CV and a recent video recording (in a single take) of an aria by J.S. Bach. You can upload your CV and recording via the application form.
  • Applicants will be notified by email on March 24 whether they have been invited to audition and will then receive a link to the sheet music for the required audition repertoire.

Audition-repertoire

  • 1 aria by J.S. Bach from the list below
  • Recitativo: Ach, dieser süße Trost, uit BWV 57
  • 1 short solo piece from the early baroque of the singer’s choice
  • J.S. Bach, Singet dem Herrn ein neues Lied, BWV 225, from bar 255
  • Claudio Monteverdi, Adoramus te, Christe

 List of aria’s:

  • Liebster Jesu, mein Verlangen, BWV 32
  • Seufzer, Tränen, Kummer, Not, BWV 21
  • Die Seele ruht in Jesus Händen, BWV 127
  • Ich bin vergnügt in meinem Leiden, BWV 58

Contact
If you have any questions, please contact Hilde Van Ruymbeke at hilde.vanruymbeke@bachvereniging.nl