Guest Performances

Answers to frequently asked questions:

• We accept applications through next calendar year only
• Only choral ensembles of 16 singers or more are eligible
• Only the conductor of the ensemble may apply
• Tour coordinators, travel agents, administrative assistants, or other intermediaries, may not apply on behalf of the conductor
• We cannot accommodate bands, orchestras, or chamber ensembles
• Applications for a performance are processed on a first-completed, first-considered basis
• Choral concerts can only take place during the 5:30 p.m. Saturday Mass. Rehearsal is at 4 pm prior to Mass.

As the choir’s conductor, you must read COMPLETELY and have full knowledge and understanding of all the terms and conditions explained on this page. It is obvious in an online application when one has not read our terms and conditions fully. If so, your online application WILL BE AUTOMATICALLY DENIED. Please allow 6-8 weeks for processing.

The online application form will serve as your letter of agreement. Being granted a performance date is contingent upon your consent to and compliance with all of the following:

Only the choir’s conductor may apply for a performance and be the contact person who will correspond with the Cathedral. The choir’s conductor will be the contact person on the day of the performance.

To prevent any misinformation that could lead to the cancellation of a performance, no tour coordinator, travel agent, representative, choir secretary, assistant choir director or administrative assistant can be the applicant or contact person.

Impersonating the choir’s conductor in this application process is a violation of the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist’s policy and of Georgia State Law. Applications submitted by anyone other than the conductor named in the form will be automatically denied.

In the application form, you will need to provide your proposed program (including any encore selection), complete with composer/arranger names and the true performance timing of each piece. Applications submitted with a blank or incomplete proposed program, or without the true timing of each piece, will be automatically dismissed.

1. Choral concerts can only take place during the 5:30 p.m. Saturday Mass. Rehearsal is at 4 pm prior to Mass..

2. We cannot “pencil in”, “hold” or “save” dates. Complete applications are processed on a first-submitted, first-considered basis. We are not responsible for ensuring that you send us the supporting materials required to complete your application. We do not send reminders. If your application for a certain date is incomplete and we receive a complete application from another ensemble for the same date, that ensemble will be granted the performance date.

3. Guest choirs must sing approved sacred music for the 5:30 p.m. Saturday mass.  These times are subject to availability and may be changed with little or no notice to accommodate Masses, other major events, or any construction work related to the Cathedral. Choral concerts on Saturday take place in the choir loft only.  Maximum number of persons in the loft is 80, including side balconies (which have no sight-lines to the central choir area). The number of seats available for choristers in the central choir area is 60. No Cathedral docents are available to lead a tour before or after your performance.

4. We cannot schedule performances outside the above times because of the high number of other programs occurring at this busy cathedral throughout the day. We cannot accommodate any unscheduled, “drop-in” performances.

5. No fees or donations may be collected for performances, nor may any tickets, books, brochures, CDs or DVDs be sold.

6. Performing at the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist is on a voluntary basis only. The Cathedral offers no stipend or financial assistance of any kind. Guest ensembles are solely responsible for all travel and hotel accommodations, transportation to and from the Cathedral and meal expenses incurred.

7. Choirs perform acoustically, i.e. without microphones. The space is best suited for classical-music ensembles large enough (and whose singers resonate enough) to project without strain or fatigue. Soloists must be selected accordingly.

8. We strongly recommend that you program a cappella works for several practical reasons. There is no piano in the Cathedral, and the organ is the only keyboard instrument allowed to accompany. No digital keyboards, bands, drums or orchestras are permitted.

9. Our staff organist will accompany the visiting choir. Music must be preapproved by contacting  the music department by clicking here.

On the day of the performance:

10. Please come dressed for your performance. There is no opportunity to rehearse prior to the performance, and there is no space available to warm up or change attire. Additionally, there are limited bathrooms in the Cathedral; those bathrooms should not be used to change attire.

11. Your ensemble is not required to wear a uniform or robes, but the attire must be dressy. We do not allow T-shirts, tank tops, shorts, jeans, flip-flops, tennis shoes, sneakers, etc. If your performers wear robes, men should wear dark pants and dark shoes, and women should wear dark shoes. As a general rule, skirts must extend below the knee, and shoulders must be covered. Inappropriate dress may result in the cancelation of your performance. Please let us know if you have any question about proper attire.

12. Please enter the Cathedral in orderly fashion through the doors on Abercorn no later than 3:45 PM  for rehearsal for Saturday evening 5:30 pm Mass.

13. All members of your ensemble (conductor, choristers, organist, soloists, managers, chaperones, etc.) must maintain full professional decorum at all times, be respectful of the sacred nature of the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist, and hold silence out of respect for those who are praying in the cathedral, and treat our space and our staff with proper care and etiquette.

14. Flash photography and use of mobile telephones for texting, use of social media, to photograph peers or to record any part of a Mass, are forbidden.

15. No drinks (including bottled water) or food are allowed in the cathedral.

16. Personal belongings, such as coats and handbags, may stay on either side of the loft during the performance with someone assigned with watching them.  The Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist assumes no responsibility for any lost or stolen personal items.

17. Full adherence to all of the above conditions has direct impact on your ensemble’s eligibility to apply for a performance at the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist at a later date.

18. Tardiness, or inappropriate dress, repertoire or behavior may result in the cancelation of your performance. The Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist is under no obligation to advertise, but may list your performance via web site calendar and other publications distributed by the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist. The Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist reserves the right to cancel, postpone, or change any and all confirmed performances subject to liturgical or other needs of the Cathedral or the Diocese of Savannah, and assumes no responsibility, financial or otherwise, for performance cancelations.

19. While not mandatory, a donation to the Cathedral is very much appreciated; checks should be made out to the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist, and “Music Ministry” written in the memo line.