NYC Opera Accepting Submissions for 2013-14 VOX

Today New York City Opera announced that it is accepting submissions for the 2013-14 VOX, the company's workshop for new American operas, presented in conjunction with OPERA America's New Works Forum. Composers can submit an excerpt of either a completed work or a work-in-progress. The selections cannot run longer than fifteen minutes. VOX is the only program in the country that provides full-instrumental and vocal performance to unpublished works. The submission deadline is June 30, 2013 and the selected pieces will be performed at the NYU Skirball Center on January 14, 2014.

"There is so much creativity and ingenuity coming out of today's new composers. I am proud of our commitment to new work and thrilled that our Company has been able to provide a stage to so many up-and-coming artists for more than a decade," said George Steel, General Manager and Artistic Director of New York City Opera.

This will be the second season that New York City Opera has collaborated with OPERA America's New Works Forum, which brings together leading opera producers, publishers, composers, and librettists from across the country.

"The New Works Forum provides a tremendous opportunity to talk about the future of the art form with stakeholders from across the country and to hear the work of the artists who are shaping it. VOX is a very special opportunity for field leaders to hear a wide range of work performed by outstanding singers and musicians; it is a focal point of our four day meeting," said Marc A. Scorca, President and CEO of OPERA America.

Applicants must provide score materials, a synopsis, a biography, a recording of the submitted material, a history of the work's development, and proof of underlying rights.

"So many young composers have to wait years before their work will see the stage at this level. The showcase is a great chance for us to see what the next generation of composers has to offer to the American opera community," said Jayce Ogren, Music Director at NYC Opera.

Numerous notable composers have participated in past VOX workshops, including Mark Adamo, Richard Danielpour, Anthony Davis, Michael John LaChiusa, David T. Little, Missy Mazzoli, Stephen Schwartz, Bright Sheng and John Zorn.

Accepted works will provide a cast list and orchestration list, 10 piano/vocal scores, three full conductor scores, and instrument parts corresponding to the selected excerpt. The works will be presented with City Opera's 2013-14 season, along with productions of Anna Nicole, Endimione, Bluebeard's Castle and The Marriage of Figaro.

VOX 2014 Eligibility Requirements

• Works that have not received a full professional U.S. premiere are eligible.
• Completed works and works-in-progress will be equally considered, provided an excerpt of no more than 15 minutes in length accompanies the application.
• Composers must indicate on the application if they want the submitted work to be considered for VOX Second Look; works are eligible for this category if there has been only one professional production of the submitted piece and no future productions are planned at the time of application.

All entries will be reviewed by members of New York City Opera's artistic staff.

All deadlines can be found at NYC Opera's website: www.nycopera.com/vox

For more information, please contact Blake Zidell or John Wyszniewki at Blake Zidell & Associates, 718.643.9052,blake@blakezidell.com or john@blakezidell.com.

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