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The Orchestra
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The Orchestra - WVSO Chorus
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Meet the WVSO Chorus Beethoven's Ninth, Mahler's Second and Eighth, requiems by Brahms, Mozart, and Berlioz. No orchestra could perform any of these works, or countless others, without a chorus. The addition of human voices, and in most cases text, is critical to those great works of art. Indeed, many people are introduced to symphonic repertoire through choral literature. IIn West Virginia, the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra is assisted in performing major choral-orchestral works by the West Virginia Symphony Chorus, a volunteer group of singers chosen from among the best in the state. Numbering over one hundred, the chorus performs at the highest level of artistry. Members represent a broad spectrum of ages and professions. All members, however, share a deep respect for the works they rehearse and perform, as well as the parent organization, the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra.
Dr. Joseph Janisch, Director In addition to conducting The West Virginia Symphony Chorus, Dr. Joseph Janisch is also the Director of Choral Activities and Assistant Professor of Music at the University of Charleston. There he conducts the Concert Choir and University Singers, and teaches a number of music related courses. Dr. Janisch received a Doctorate from Ohio State University, a Master's from Bowling Green State University, and a Bachelor's degree from Ashland (Ohio) University. Dr. Janisch has conducted various choral ensembles at Bowling Green State University, the Choral and Performing Arts Association, and Richland Academy of the Arts. His teaching credentials include courses taught at Ohio State, Bowling Green, and Buckeye Central Local Schools. Dr. Janisch, the recipient of the A. Peter Costanza Distinguished DMA Document Award, has also received graduate awards from the OSU Graduate Research Forum and Bowling Green State University. His professional affiliations include membership in American Choral Directors Association, West Virginia Choral Directors Association, Music Educators National Conference, and West Virginia Music Education Association. Repertoire In recent years, the Chorus has collaborated with the Symphony in performances of Vaughan Williams's A Sea Symphony , Britten's War Requiem , Walton's Belshazzar's Feast , and Borodin's Polovtsian Dances . The WVS Opera Chorus, auditioned from the ranks of the full chorus, has participated in performances of Faust , Die Fledermaus , Falstaff , C armen, and Il Trovatore . Most recently, the chorus made its Snowshoe Festival debut in Beethoven's Symphony No. 9.
Membership Symphony Chorus membership is offered to singers who have previous choral experience and who can read music reasonably well. New members are admitted into the chorus at the beginning and middle of the season (around late August and early January). In a short and non-threatening audition, the prospective member is checked for vocal quality, range, and ear. Periodically, members may be reauditioned as a requirement of ongoing membership. Information on membership can be obtained by calling (304) 357-4903 or by writing or e-mailing Joseph Janisch, Director
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