OUR 2023 VOCAL COMPETITION IS HERE!
FORMAT
The competition for 2023 will have two platforms. You chose your competition track.
The Competition starts for with our Qualifying Round and then our two (2) subsequent Rounds (subdivided into “Semi-Finals” and “Finals”).
All Qualifying Round submissions are completed virtually from anywhere in the world by submitting your materials via our Online Registration Form.
Those then chosen as Semi-Finalists can choose to compete in that round VIRTUALLY or LIVE IN NEW YORK, or in both!
FInalists are then selected for the both the Virtual and Live platforms respectively.
No Age Limit Requirements and No Citizenship Restrictions.
If you are an established in-career artist who would like to sing Live in New York for the casting panel and would not like to be part of the competition component, please Go Here to schedule your audition.
EXTENDED DEADLINES: LIVE IN NYC: DECEMBER 1st | VIRTUAL: DECEMBER 7th
QUALIFYING ROUND
Submission of materials through our Online Registration including one (1) to two (2) Audio or Video performance links in any language and any style. Recordings should be recent (within the past 18 months).
Early Bird Registration Discount: Passed
Registration Fee: $75 (Limited Supply)
The inability to pay an application fee should never be a barrier to register for the competition. Fee waiver requests are available for singers who demonstrate significant financial need. For more details Go Here.
What’s Included with submission:
Professional Review: All applicant’s materials will be reviewed by our Qualifying Round Jury consisting of select members of Premiere Opera Foundations Board and Advisory Council.
Career Development Seminar: All applicants will be able to take part in our seminar virtually or live with distinguished consultants and industry insiders.
Masterclass: All applicants will be able to take part in our masterclass virtually or live, and a few will be chosen to sing on the class, taught by a true master of the craft.
Finals Concert: Complimentary admission to our Virtual and Live Finals Concert.
COMPETE VIRTUALLY: SEMI-FINALS
Up to 150 Singers will be chosen to advance to the Virtual Semi-Final Round.
Each Semi-Finalist will be required to submit two (2) videos of arias in any language and style. You may submit the same recording(s) as in the Qualifying Round.
What’s Included:
Professional Review: All Semi-Finalist video submissions will be presented to the entire Virtual Jury of International Casting Directors, Agents, and Theater Consultants like a live-stream of auditions, that they will watch in order just like a typical round of auditions.
Professional Feedback: Receive one paragraph of written feedback that will be condensed for you from the notes of our jury members. You must request this feedback via email after the competition is over.
Please note that this round of the competition will serve as the Virtual Professional Casting Auditions portion of the competition.
If chosen to present on the Semi-Finals, there will be a $100 registration fee to secure your spot in the presentation.
(There will be an optional Live Feedback add-on for Virtual Semi-Finalists that will be a private 25 minute in depth session with at least 2 jury members that will be scheduled via Zoom).
COMPETE LIVE: SEMI-FINALS
Up to 150 singers will be chosen to advance to the Live Semi-Final Round in New York.
Each Semi-Finalist will be required to sing live in New York on December 4, 5, 6 or 7. A high level pianist will be provided at no additional expense or you can choose to bring your own.
What’s Included:
Sing Live in New York: Sing a Live Audition in New York in the heart of the Lincoln Center area at a wonderful hall, for the entire Live Jury of International Casting Directors, Agents, and Theater Consultants.
Professional Video Recording: Each Semi-Finalist will receive a professional quality video recording of their audition at no additional expense.
Professional Feedback: Receive one paragraph of written feedback that will be condensed for you from the notes of our jury members. You must request this feedback via email after the competition is over.
International Theater Pledge: Establishes that a select number of the International Theaters whose Casting Directors are part of our Jury, pledge to offer at least one Professional Contract within a 3 -5 year period of hearing.
Please note that this round of the competition will serve as the Live Professional Casting Auditions portion of the competition.
If chosen to sing Live in New York in the Semi-Finals, there will be a $200 registration fee to secure your day and time slot.(There will be an optional Live Feedback add-on for Live Semi-Finalists that will be a private 25 minute in depth session with at least 2 jury members that will be scheduled via Zoom).
VIRTUAL FINALS
Up to 15 singers will be chosen to advance from the Virtual Semi-Finals to the Virtual Finals which will be presented via Livestream format on December 15th.
All Finalists videos will be presented to the entire Virtual Jury, plus additional casting administrators, artist agencies, and industry influencers worldwide.
Finalists will be interviewed on the Livestream before and after their videos are presented.
The Virtual Finals presentation will be broadcast internationally on YouTube and other media platforms, and winners will be announced in real time during the stream.
All Finalists will receive written or Live Feedback from the Premiere Opera Foundation team upon request.
LIVE FINALS
Up to 15 singers will be chosen to advance from the Live Semi-Finals to the Live Finals in New York on December 8th.
All finalists will be heard by the entire Live Jury, plus additional casting administrators, artist agencies, and industry influencers worldwide.
Finalists will sing at a wonderful hall in the heart of the Lincoln Center area, and the event will be open to the public.
The Live Finals concert will be Livestreamed internationally in real time on YouTube and other media platforms.
Winners will be announced at our Finals Reception, held directly after the Live Finals, where you will be able to communicate with the jury directly, as available.
All Finalists will receive written or Live Feedback from the Premiere Opera Foundation team upon request.
All Finalists will receive a high quality video recording of their Live Finals performance.
PRIZES & AWARDS
Over $35,000 worth in cash prizes and special awards. Every finalist will receive a cash prize. You do not have to be a finalist to receive one of the special awards, including a contract through the International Theater Pledge.
Prizes will be awarded across both the Virtual and Live platforms, doubling the amount of artists, and the international diversity of artists who can benefit. Major cash prizes, as well as Encouragement Awards, Study Grants, Audience Prizes, and other Special Awards! Plus, multiple Professional Casting/Contract Opportunities!
Check out our Awards, Winners, and Livestreams from Last Year!
We are honored by your interest in our mission and are looking forward to hearing you!