Change of Venue Announced as Verismo Opera's International Vocal Competition Deadline Nears

Lucine Amara, Artistic Director of the New Jersey Association of Verismo Opera, announces the company's 29th Annual International Vocal Competition's early bird registration deadline, July 31, 2017, is nearing. Vocalists of all ages worldwide are invited to apply now and take advantage of this opportunity. The final application deadline is October 31, 2017.

Auditions

The preliminary and final auditions are taking place at a new venue, Nola Studios, located at 250 West 54th Street, 11th Floor-Studio B in New York City. In 2017, the preliminary auditions are on Wednesday, November 1; Saturday, November 4; Monday, November 6; and Wednesday, November 8 from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The final auditions are held on December 11 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

At the preliminary auditions, a luminary panel of judges officiates comprised of Metropolitan Opera legend Lucine Amara; Maestra Lucy Arner, Music Director/Principal Conductor, New Jersey Association of Verismo Opera; and Evelyn La Quaif, General Manager and Stage Director, New Jersey Association of Verismo Opera. Upon request, the judges' comments are sent to all preliminary participants and finalists. A professional accompanist is provided to all vocalists participating in the preliminary and final auditions.

Free Master Classes

Vocalists are encouraged to take advantage of a free master class available to all applicants accepted to sing in the preliminary auditions. Finalists selected to perform in the vocal competition may attend three four-hour free master classes. Amara and La Quaif present the master classes and provide artists with direction on deportment, language, style and presentation at auditions.

All master classes take place at Yeoryia Studios, located at the Epic Security Building, 2067 Broadway in New York, New York in the United States. Master classes are only for finalists on November 18, 25, and December 2 from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Opportunities

During the competition, finalists obtain valuable resources to cultivate their craft. The vocal competition features:

• a free master class for vocalists accepted to the preliminary auditions;
• three four-hour master classes for finalists;
• feedback and extensive free coaching on language, style and presentation;
• performing opportunities in Verismo Opera's fully staged productions with a live orchestra for finalists; and
• cash awards totaling $3,500 ($2,000 first prize, $1,000 second prize and $500 third prize).

"Vocal competitions provide singers the opportunity to experience performing at the highest level of intensity. The New Jersey Association of Verismo Opera's annual vocal competition's free master classes offer singers a deeper knowledge of their art from professionals in the business," said Amara, who performed at the Metropolitan Opera for 41 years with opera houses and symphonies throughout the world.

Application Requirements

All applicants are required to submit the following:

• an application form. An application may be downloaded at http://verismopera.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/2017-Vocal-Comp-App-NJAVO.doc,
• a resume,
• a bio,
• an MP3 file or a CD containing at least three arias,
• an 8 x 10 black and white photo, and
• the application fee.

The early bird registration fee, $55, is in effect through July 31, 2017, changing to $75 on August 1, 2017. Payment may be made securely online at http://verismopera.org/donate-2/ located at the bottom of the page or by check made out and sent to Verismo Opera, P.O. Box 3024, Fort Lee, New Jersey 07024-9024. Applicants accepted into the competition are notified. For further information about the competition or to schedule an audition appointment, contact info@verismopera.org or call (201) 886-0561.

Verismo Opera is the house opera company of the Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) in Englewood, New Jersey. The nonprofit opera company is recognized for providing opportunities for artists to learn and perform in a professional environment with a live orchestra.

The season is made possible, in part, with funds provided by the New Jersey Council on the Arts/Department of State, through grant funds administered by the Bergen County Department of Parks, Division of Cultural and Historic Affairs. Other supporters include Children's Aid Foundation, Robert J. Campbell, MD, Cesare L. Santeramo, KSJ, Mary Casella Briggs Memorial Fund, Paul Weiss Matching Fund, The Gerda Lissner Foundation, Inc., Vanguard Charitable Endowment Fund, and the Verismo Opera Board of Directors.

For 28 years, the New Jersey Association of Verismo Opera has been an integral part of the region's classical music culture. Led by Metropolitan Opera luminary Lucine Amara, Verismo Opera delivers a rich, grand opera experience for performers and viewers.

As the Bergen Performing Arts Center's house opera company, Verismo Opera provides performing opportunities for young musicians and artists through its semi-annual productions at the theatre and concerts held in community settings. Community members are invited to get involved as supernumeraries and volunteers.

An annual international vocal competition is conducted in November with finals generally drawing artists throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe. Verismo Opera also organizes opera workshops, master classes and concerts and offers affordable, highly professional productions.

For more information, visit Verismo Opera's web site, www.verismopera.org; follow the company on Facebook, http://bit.ly/9JXTP8, or Twitter @NJVerismoOpera; or call (201) 886-0561.

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