For 57 years, joining Oklahoma City's largest community chorus has meant surviving a yearly audition. On October 17, 2026, that barrier disappears for one afternoon, as Canterbury Voices throws open the doors of Civic Center Music Hall to any singer willing to show up, with no tryout required.
The event, called the Big Sing, is a free gathering for singers of all experience levels, according to News 9. Participants will rehearse alongside the professionals of Canterbury Voices, the 165-voice symphonic choir that typically fills its ranks only through competitive annual auditions, the station reports. Organizers are expecting hundreds of singers, and possibly as many as 1,000, to take part.
The piece chosen for the occasion is Franz Schubert's Mass No. 2 in G major, a public-domain work the composer wrote in less than a week in early March 1815, according to Canterbury Voices. Because the score is public domain, registered singers can download and start learning the music online at no cost before the event, per the same organization's event page. That access matters for an event built explicitly around people who cannot commit to Canterbury's regular rehearsal and performance schedule but still want a shot at singing inside one of Oklahoma City's grandest halls.
How the Day Will Unfold
The Big Sing opens with a participant rehearsal running from noon to 4:30 p.m., followed by a 5 p.m. concert, per News 9's report. Both participating as a singer and attending as an audience member are free. Those who only want to watch, rather than rehearse and perform, can pick up free tickets through the Civic Center Music Hall box office starting Monday, October 5, according to Canterbury Voices.
Anyone planning to sing should register through the Canterbury Voices website and download the music in advance, the choir's event materials note. The performance will take place at Civic Center Music Hall.
Voices Behind the Idea
Artistic Director Dr. Julie Yu framed the Big Sing as an extension of the choir's mission, telling News 9 the event follows the idea of teaching the world to sing in perfect harmony. Yu said it will bring together people who share a love and mission through singing, and added that the event welcomes both regular performers and people who have not sung in a choir for years.
Participant Hailey Cantrell told the station that performing in the Civic Center is electric, a sentiment organizers are hoping first-time and returning singers alike will discover for themselves. Yu has led Canterbury Voices since July 2023. Yu holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of North Texas.
A Choir With Deep Civic Roots
The 57-year-old choir eventually settled into Civic Center Music Hall as its resident venue. The choir now regularly collaborates with the Oklahoma City Philharmonic, Lyric Theatre, and Oklahoma City Ballet, per News 9's reporting.
The organization's reach extends well beyond its main adult chorus. Canterbury operates Canterbury Youth Voices, an educational program serving children in grades 2 through 12, according to Cause IQ.
News 9 covered the announcement for its Something Good section.
