Questions & Answers

What is a Symphony Choir?

A symphony choir regularly performs with a symphony orchestra and typically is made up of at least 80 singers consisting of four voice types:

• soprano (the highest voice, generally female)
• alto (generally the lower female voice range)
• tenor (high male voice range)
• bass (lowest range of the human voice, exclusively male)

The inclusion of text and catering to the particular capabilities of the human voice adds an additional challenge to composing instrumental music. As a result, many of the greatest composers never composed choral music. The Willoughby Symphony Orchestra gratefully acknowledges the contribution that the Willoughby Symphony Choir members make, volunteering their time to meet for rehearsals up to two months before a production is performed.