• Boys and men singing in a rehearsal
    A memory from2019
  • Girl chorister singing during Evensong
    A memory from2022
  • Boy choristers processing down centre aisle during performance, with large audience on either side
    A memory from2017
  • Young boy chorister singing in red robe, with brass instrument in foreground
    A memory from2016
  • Three boy choristers in choir stall, with service robes on, smiling at the camera
    A memory from2013
  • Young choristers in red robes gathered with instructor before performance
    A memory from2016
  • View of the Cathedral from the High Altar looking back down the Nave, with choir singing in choir stalls
    A memory from2017
  • Boy choristers in red robes in a row, singing during concert
    A memory from2011

Audition
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We quickly learned that being a member of Capella Regalis means your child is part of an amazing and caring community that values not only the musical education of your son, but also the development of his character.

Gina Patterson, chorister parent

Did you know?

•  Capella Regalis is free for any child who passes a basic audition. We welcome donations from families who are able to contribute, but there are no dues.

•  No prior musical experience or religious affiliation is required. A willingness to learn and commitment to the choir schedule are the basic requirements for participation.

•  We help to coordinate transportation (within HRM) to and from weekly rehearsals and services for choristers who otherwise would not be able to participate.  Our choristers hail from all areas of the Halifax peninsula as well as Bedford, Dartmouth, Eastern Passage, St Margaret’s Bay towns, Tantallon, and even the South Shore.

•  Capella Regalis is modeled on a centuries-old European tradition. We offer the rare musical education of learning and singing new repertoire each week for our Choral Evensong services in the Cathedral Church of All Saints, Halifax. Choristers also perform concerts, tours, and recordings featuring music by Bach, Britten, Monteverdi, Palestrina, Tallis, and many other great composers, from the 10th century to contemporary works.

Boys Choir auditions

We accept choristers ages 6 – 12 throughout the year, but we particularly encourage new singers to start at the beginning of a term. Please contact vhalley@capellaregalis.com to be added to our audition list. We will be in touch to schedule an audition time. 

Our one-hour-a-week Probationers Program allows new choristers to try the choir and learn music basics in a low-pressure environment. Probationers transition to the Senior Choir (performance group) on an individual basis only when ready.

Girls Choir auditions

We launched the Capella Regalis Girls Choir in September 2022 and offer rolling auditions for girls ages 7 – 13. Please contact vhalley@capellaregalis.com to be added to our audition list. We will be in touch to schedule an audition time.

What to expect for your audition

Our auditions are simple and friendly, and last approximately 10 minutes. Your child should come prepared to sing a song of their choosing (if they do not have a particular song in mind, we recommend O Canada or Happy Birthday). We will then do some pitch-matching and ear-training exercises. Equally as important as pitch-matching, we are looking to see whether the child demonstrates an ability to focus for the duration of the audition and to take direction. At the end of the audition, we will make a recommendation and answer any questions you may have.