Frequently Asked Questions

Southern Oregon Repertory Singers is a 70 voice premier choral ensemble based in Southern Oregon, dedicated to performing exceptional choral repertoire, championing new works, and fostering meaningful musical experiences for our community. We also have a Classroom Connections program where we mentor middle school and high school students and provide coaching across the Rogue Valley.

Our ensemble is known for its artistic excellence, commitment to commissioning and premiering new works, and collaborations with composers, musicians, and partnerships with community organizations. We strive to create performances that are both musically compelling and emotionally resonant.

We perform in a variety of venues across Southern Oregon, primarily at the SOU Music Recital Hall, but we also perform across the Rogue Valley for special events such as the RV Manor, Mountain Meadows, Festival of Trees, and other events. We perform at the historic Holly Theater in Medford for one of our holiday special event performances. Visit our Contact page for specific locations and directions.

Tickets can be purchased online through our website at repsingers.org or at the door (subject to availability) prior to concerts. We offer season passes (where you keep the same seat) or individual tickets. We also offer Oregon Trail and Student discounted tickets. You can also purchase tickets over the phone by calling our Box Office at 541-552-0900 or emailing tickets@repsingers.org. We recommend buying in advance for performances as we often sell out.

Yes! While most concerts are appropriate for all ages, we recommend reviewing program details to ensure the experience is a good fit for younger listeners. We do not recommend children under the age of 6 years old, or for children that struggle with sitting still.

Expect a welcoming atmosphere, high-level musicianship, and thoughtfully curated programs—ranging from beloved masterworks to exciting contemporary premieres.

We hold auditions periodically for experienced singers. Information about upcoming auditions, requirements, and how to apply can be found on our website.

Yes! Our ensemble is open to all and we have many volunteer/community singers. We also have opportunities for users. Sign up for our newsletter to stay informed.

We welcome volunteers to assist with ushering concerts, events, and outreach. Please contact us to learn more at info@repsingers.org.

There are many ways to support us, including making a donation, becoming a sponsor, attending concerts, supporting our media/livestream efforts, underwriting a commission, or spreading the word about our performances and inviting family, friends, and colleagues to attend.

Yes, Southern Oregon Repertory Singers is a registered nonprofit organization, and donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Tax ID #93-0920785.

Yes! Commissioning and premiering new choral music is a central part of our mission. Each May we present the James M. Collier New Works Festival where the entire program is new compositions/creative new works. We collaborate with composers to bring new music to the worldwide choral canon and present fresh new world premiere repertoire. Each May we also bring full orchestra and world-renowned soloists and fresh voices to the Rogue Valley.

We are committed to music education and community engagement through workshops, collaborations, and special initiatives. Our Classroom Connections program works with students in middle and high schools across the Rogue Valley assisting with mentorship, vocal coaching, sectionals, one-on-one instruction, and much more.

Join our mailing list and follow us on social media for the latest concert announcements, special events, and behind-the-scenes content.

Follow Us

Instagram
Facebook
YouTube
Spotify

You can reach us through the contact form on our website or via email at info@repsingers.org. We’d love to hear from you!

Welcome! You can expect a relaxed and welcoming environment paired with a high level of artistry. Our concerts often feature a mix of powerful choral works, orchestra or instrumental collaborators, and compelling storytelling through music.

Not at all. Whether you’re a lifelong classical music listener or completely new, our programs are designed to be engaging and accessible. We offer pre-concert lectures with Musicologist Ed Wight one hour prior to each performance. Program notes in the concert program will help provide context if you’d like to dive deeper. Our Music Director, Dr. Paul French, also gives a short introduction to the music during the concerts.

There’s no formal dress code—come as you are! You’ll see everything from casual to dressy attire.

We recommend arriving 20 minutes early to allow time for parking, seating, and to settle in before the performance begins.

Most concerts include a 15-minute intermission, giving you time to stretch, connect, use the restroom, and reflect on the music.

Typically between 90 minutes and 2 hours, including intermission.

Absolutely! If you’re unsure when to clap, simply follow the lead of the audience—there’s no pressure to “get it right.”

The James M. Collier New Works Festival is an annual celebration each May presented by Southern Oregon Repertory Singers, dedicated to commissioning and premiering new choral works. It reflects our deep commitment to expanding the choral repertoire and supporting rising star and living composers.

The festival showcases newly commissioned works for choir and often orchestra or chamber ensemble. These pieces span a wide range of styles—from lyrical and contemplative to bold and innovative—offering audiences the rare opportunity to experience music at its very first performance.

We believe that choral music is a living art form. By commissioning new works, we contribute to the future of the genre, amplify diverse voices, and create meaningful artistic experiences that speak to our time.

We collaborate with both established and emerging composers from around the world, as well as composers with strong regional ties. Our Composer-in-Residence, Jodi French, also plays a key role in shaping the festival and contributing new works.

Yes! Commissioning new music is made possible through the generosity of donors and sponsors. Opportunities include underwriting a new work, dedicating a piece in honor or memory of someone, or contributing to the new works commission fund.

The process typically spans many months to over a year, involving collaboration between the composer, music director, and ensemble—from concept and text selection to rehearsals and final performance.

While the festival highlights world premieres, many commissioned works go on to have a life beyond their debut—performed again by Rep Singers or taken up by other choirs, contributing to the broader choral canon. We also create CD recordings as well as digital recordings for purchase after concerts.

Often, yes. Most new works concerts will have a Q&A with the composers or special guests, providing an opportunity to hear about the creative processes behind the music.