Stage Presence for Choirs – Tools and Techniques for Choral Leaders

Overview:

What makes a choir captivating on stage – even before the first note is sung? In this workshop, we explore the physical, emotional, and expressive dimensions of choral stage presence. Designed especially for choral conductors and ensemble leaders, the session introduces tried-and-true exercises and approaches that help singers become more present, connected, and expressive on stage – as individuals and as a group.

In the first part of the workshop, participants will experience a set of practical and inspiring exercises that can be directly applied in rehearsals with their own choirs. These techniques aim to deepen the singers’ awareness, their connection to the music, and their impact on the audience.

In the second part of the workshop, the renowned professional vocal ensemble Estonian Voices will join us on stage. They will perform one of their pieces, and we will then work with them live to demonstrate how subtle shifts in posture, attention, and inner alignment can dramatically influence stage presence and artistic effect. In this open and respectful session, the ensemble becomes a live case study – allowing all participants to observe, reflect, and learn from real-time transformations.

Workshop topics include:

• The role of physical presence in ensemble performance
• Group coherence vs. individual expression: how to balance both
• Breathing, grounding, and spatial awareness
• Connecting with the audience without breaking the music
• Techniques for unlocking expressiveness and energy
• How to integrate presence work into regular rehearsals
• Live demonstration: working with Estonian Voices on stage presence in real time

Who it’s for:

Choral conductors, vocal ensemble leaders, and anyone interested in deepening their understanding of stage presence in choral performance.

Requirements:

An open mind and curiosity to explore new ways of approaching musical expression beyond sound alone.