What months and how many hours do the choristers work?
The first part of the performing season lasts from September through mid-January; we don’t have any more performances until early June. The rehearsal schedule is a little different. Generally we start rehearsing around the first of April, but it really depends on the season’s repertoire. When the season’s repertoire is especially difficult, we can start as early as the first of March. The performing season lasts from September to June like a school year, but our contract mirrors the rehearsal schedule and is good from March/April through January.
What is the starting pay?
We are paid a weekly salary based on an hourly rate. We have a guaranteed number of weeks per year and a guaranteed number of hours per week. In the contract this year, although it’s been adjusted for cost of living increases, the lowest salary level (for singers who have zero to two years experience in SFO) is $1094 per week. Next level up is three to five years of experience at $1120 per week, six to ten years is $1182 per week, and finally 11+ years of experience is $1244 per week.
What sorts of benefits are offered to SFO chorus members?
SFO pays for medical and dental insurance through AGMA (AGMA Health Plan, Plan A) and also makes a contribution to Plan B as well as providing us with VSP, the Vision Service Plan. The Company also pays into the AGMA Retirement Fund. This year they contributed nine percent of our gross pay into the retirement fund. We have the opportunity to personally contribute to a 403B (which is the equivalent of a 401K for nonprofits).
How many extra choristers are there?
SFO holds auditions for extra choristers every year, but the number of extra singers hired depends on the year and the season’s repertoire requirements.
Do existing choristers need to re-audition every year?
We are required to sing for management twice every five years. Chorus director Ian Robertson generally hears us, but sometimes we are also heard by Dr. Clifford (Kip) Cranna, musical administrator for SFO, or even general director Pamela Rosenberg. Ernest Knell, the associate chorusmaster, will generally attend as well. New choristers are required to sing for management both their first and second years of employment at SFO, because it is treated as a probationary period. After that second year, if they earn tenure, they are also heard twice every five years.
What do you have to sing?
An aria or an art song.
When are auditions held for new choristers?
November and December.
Are the auditions for AGMA members only?
SFO will hear anyone; a lot of people take advantage of that and come to the auditions. Ian Robertson also holds auditions in New York.
What is the pay for extra chorus members?
The per performance rate is $156.50. The rehearsal hourly rate is about $35.00. They also get benefits: There is a nine percent contribution to the AGMA Retirement fund as well as a five percent contribution to AGMA Health Fund Plan. In addition they get seven hours of sick leave per opera.
Are singers asked to sight-read at auditions?
Not usually, but the auditions must be sung by memory.
Do SFO choristers get other opportunities to sing because of being choristers?
We do, but those opportunities are only by the luck of the draw. Sometimes Ian Robertson, the conductor, will put together a small special group to sing for an event.
Do they ever get considered for small roles in productions?
Yes.
What’s the pay when you sing a “solo bit” (an AGMA classification)?
We are paid $112.35 per performance in addition to our weekly salary.
What’s the turnover rate amongst choristers?
The mezzos generally are very stable. We’ve had the same mezzo section for many years. Except for the occasional mezzo on leave, in which case a substitute regular chorister will temporarily be called in. The bass section is also very stable. On average, the soprano and tenor sections turn over three or four positions every year. The tenors have a core of older singers who have been with SFO for a long time—some of them as long as 25 years. In comparison, the soprano section is generally made up of singers who are quite young.
How many tenured positions are in the chorus in the current contract?
Forty-five.
What happens if a chorister becomes pregnant?
Our contract has a family leave provision. Some women continue to work throughout most of their pregnancy until their doctors put them on disability. If they are going to be gone for a whole season, a substitute chorister replaces them, and when they return, they get their jobs back.
Can someone in the regular chorus hold an outside job?
I tried it for while, but it is very difficult. There are two or three people who do it; they work as bookkeepers and have flexible hours. Some other choristers teach voice. The extra choristers obviously have an easier time holding an outside job.
What is the atmosphere like among the choristers?
It is a very tight-knit group, and most of us have known each other for many years. There are a lot of friendly people. Some stay away from others, but it’s like a family; we know about each other. What do you expect—when you live in the same dressing room with 12 or more other women, standing around in your underwear—it creates a closeness. Not that it’s always friendly, but we’re close.
Do you enjoy singing in the chorus?
Yes. I have fun. When I am swept away by the music, the drama can be really very satisfying.
