Algonquin Oak Room Sponsors Cabaret Singer Contest

By: Jul. 26, 2005
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The Algonquin Hotel's Oak Room will celebrate its 25th Anniversary by sponsoring a Young Artist Competition, with the winner awarded a contract for a two-week engagement in its legendary cabaret venue in early 2006.  

The competition will be limited to vocal artists under the age of 30 with a background in musical theater, cabaret or jazz, whose work embraces the Great American Songbook, including (but not limited to) the works of Cole Porter, Jerome Kern, George and Ira Gershwin, Irving Berlin, Harold Arlen, Richard Rodgers and Stephen Sondheim.  Entrants are required to submit a comprehensive biography, including training and professional credits, an 8 X 10-inch photograph and an audiotape or compact disc recording of a solo vocal performance of at least six songs with accompaniment by not more than three instruments.   Reviews and commendations may be included but will not be a major factor in judging.  Materials are to be sent to:

Young Artist Oak Room Competition
Anthony Melchiorri, General Manager
Algonquin Hotel
59 West 44th Street
New York, New York 10036

The deadline for submitting material is September 15, 2005, with all submissions becoming the non-returnable property of The Algonquin Hotel.  

After preliminary judging, 12 finalists will be selected and notified on or around October 1, 2005. The finalists will be invited to perform in the Oak Room on one of two selected dates for a period of 20 minutes each later that month.  Technical assistance from the Oak Room's director of sound and lighting will be provided, as will a tuned piano (but no other instruments).  Each finalist will also be required to undergo a brief interview.  The panel of judges for the final phase of the competition may be composed of critics, regular Oak Room performers and others from the worlds of musical theater, cabaret and jazz.

The Algonquin Hotel reserves the right to clarify or amend the rules governing the competition and Hotel reserves the right to terminate the competition at any time and for any reason.  Entrants must be 30 years of age or under prior to January 1, 2006.  Proof of age may be required.  Finalists must provide their own transportation to NYC; The Algonquin will provide accommodations.

The Oak Room, committed to the preservation of the Great American Songbook, is the leader among New York cabarets in launching the careers of outstanding young artists. The Algonquin's Young Artist Competition will afford the opportunity to continue that tradition embodied by such Oak Room greats as Steve Ross, Michael Feinstein, Harry Connick, Jr., Diana Krall, Andrea Marcovicci, Jane Monheit, Mary Cleere Haran, Peter Cincotti and Jamie Cullum.

Inquiries about the competition may be made to Barbara McGurn, Oak Room, via email: bmcgurn@algonquinhotel.com or phone: (212) 419-9331, before June 25 and after August 22, 2005.  From June 28 through August 21, inquiries may be directed via email to Anthony Melchiorri: amelchiorri@algonquinhotel.com.

For hotel reservations and information, please call 1-866-363-9011 or visit www.algonquinhotel.com.



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