The Southern Arizona Symphony Orchestra is adding voices to its lineup this fall with the launch of the SASO Chorus — an auditioned ensemble of 40 to 60 singers debuting in the 2026-27 season.
Rehearsals will take place Tuesday evenings from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Catalyst Collaborative Arts & Maker Space, 4500 N. Oracle Road, Suite 110. Robin Lopez-Hanshaw will direct the group.
“Few other opportunities exist for community members to sing such diverse and challenging repertoire,” Lopez-Hanshaw said.
The inaugural season opens in October with “Let All Nations Sing” at Grace St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, drawing on folk and classical works from 11 countries — including a piece by Icelandic composer Þorkell Sigurbjörnsson — alongside works by four Tucson composers. In December, the chorus presents “Midwinter Lights,” a program pulling from Chanukah, Christmas, Diwali and other winter traditions, including a world premiere by composer Michael Kaulkin. Both programs feature chamber orchestra drawn from SASO musicians.
Later in the season the chorus will join the Tucson Masterworks Chamber Singers for Morten Lauridsen’s “Lux Aeterna” and take part in SASO Opera’s spring production of “Die Fledermaus.”
In-person auditions are scheduled noon to 5 p.m. July 11 at Catalyst Collaborative Arts & Maker Space. Alternate arrangements, including virtual auditions, are available for those who can’t make that date.
More information and an interest form are available at sasomusic.org/saso-chorus-interest or by emailing info@sasomusic.org.
