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Lamb of God has 13 vocal soloist roles, cello soloist, and 2 narrators, plus adult and youth choirs and orchestra. The style of this oratorio is more like Les Miserables than like a more traditional oratorio, such as Messiah or The Redeemer. The soloists, choir, and even the orchestra are part of the ensemble presentation. And every now and then, one or more will step out from the crowd and sing or play a role. The style of the vocal solos is lyrical and story-telling in nature as opposed to the more ornate aria style in a more traditional oratorio or opera.  The choir plays the role of an unruly crowd at times and shines as a heavenly choir at other times. All vocal soloists are part of that crowd when they are not singing their solo parts. You can hear examples of the music for Lamb of God at SpireMusic.org.

Even within the orchestra there are a number of solos throughout the work that stand on their own or complement the soloists. All must play their role for the story to unfold.

We prefer that all soloists come to the initial auditions prepared with an audition song that is not from Lamb of God, but it is helpful if in a similar style and range as Lamb of God.

All who pre-register are assigned an “audition hour.” Please come prepared to audition during that hour. Those listed first should be there early to finish registration, do a range check, and any warming up needed. We take you in the order of registration for that hour. There are rooms with pianos available for warm-ups.

Vocal Soloists should come prepared to sing a song of their choice that demonstrates the range, vocally and emotionally, that fits the role for which they are interested. Again, a lyrical style is preferred to a more formal operatic style of soloist. Please keep vocal selections to 3 minutes or less. Soloists selected for callbacks will be provided with music from Lamb of God to learn and present at callbacks. Please note that for some roles, you must not just demonstrate your solo abilities, but also your ability to fit well as part of a duet or trio. This is especially true for the three apostles and for Martha and Mary.

Cello Soloists should come ready to present a lyrical work of not more than 3 minutes in length. The selection should show a range of emotions. Think of Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane, meeting Pilate, or suffering on the cross. How would you portray that?

Narrators are one man and one woman. Come prepared to do a dramatic reading of no more than 2 minutes. You should also prepare to present a meaningful scripture. Some of the narration is directly from or paraphrasing scripture. Movement is not required as narration will be delivered from a seated position for Lamb of God. The Narrators are telling the story and should be engaging. It is okay to share the feeling and meaning of the words through your presentation of the narration.

Choir Members

Choir member candidates will do a range check and will sing their part in a hymn with others. Choir members who have sung in prior years do not need to audition, but should bring the completed information sheet to the first choir rehearsal, which is scheduled for Sunday, February 12. Rehearsals will be held on Sunday nights from 6 – 8:30 in Oakland and in a South Bay location.

Vocal Soloist Roles Available

The oratorio features 13 vocal soloists. Some alternate soloists will also be selected for some of the major roles. Alternate soloists will sing one of the performances, and of course must be prepared to step in and sing any performance where the primary is not able.

The following vocal soloist roles are needed:

Women

1. Martha: Mezzo-soprano 
2. Mary of Bethany: Alto 
3. Mary the Mother: Alto (low F) 
4. Damsel: Mezzo-soprano
5. Maiden: Mezzo-soprano
6. Mary Magdalene: Lyric Soprano

Men

1. Thomas: Tenor 
2. John: Tenor or high Baritone 
3. Peter: Tenor (high B-flat or high C) 
4. Judas: Bass
5. False Witness: Tenor
6. Accuser: Baritone or Tenor
7. Pilate: Tenor or high Baritone

Expectations for Vocal Soloists

To present a performance this Easter that will deeply enrich all who listen or participate, the following are expected of all soloists:

1. Take full ownership of learning the music as soon as possible
2. Memorize your solo parts – to take a little liberty with scripture: “ye shall know the part and the part shall set you free”
3. Prepare for and attend all scheduled soloist, technical, and dress rehearsals
4. Learn all choir music and sing with the choir (you may use music for choir sections)
5. Attend at least 3 of 4 choir rehearsals each month in February through April
6. Study your assigned role through scripture study and prayer, and understand the message of the composer in presenting the songs related to that person
7. Bring a humble and willing spirit to rehearsals and performances – even if you are singing a not-so-humble role, such as Pilate or the Accuser
8. Take care of yourself – be physically prepared for a full Easter season; and take care of your family, so they will support you in the time you must dedicate to this effort
9. Be a friend and support to all who participate in the Lamb of God production – this is a true ensemble production and a wonderful opportunity for building Interfaith harmony (literally and figuratively) – “Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners but fellow citizens with the saints…”
10. Provide a full schedule of conflicts. Always inform the Director and Producer of unexpected absences as early as known. Participation in all technical and dress rehearsals and performances is mandatory. You must be at all and on time for mic checks. Make whatever arrangements are necessary.
11. Sing every day! Get the voice in shape to bring your best possible instrument
12. Weekly Rehearsal Locations for Adult Choirs and Soloists

Oakland Interstake Center: 4770 Lincoln Ave, Oakland, CA 94602

Contact: Alan Chipman, Director (408) 887-8428