Application Deadline for Verismo Opera's 27th International Vocal Competition Set for 10/31

Singers worldwide are invited to apply to the New Jersey Association of Verismo Opera's 27th Annual International Vocal Competition. Artistic Director Lucine Amara reminds vocalists of all ages to apply now. The application deadline, October 31, 2015, is approaching.

A special feature of the vocal competition is a new, free master class that will be offered to singers accepted to audition in the vocal competition's preliminary round. Amara, a Met Opera luminary, and Verismo Opera's General Manager/Stage Director, Evelyn La Quaif, will teach the master class. During the master class, artists will learn deportment, language, style and presentation at auditions.

"The New Jersey Association of Verismo Opera's Annual International Competition is different from others in a number of important ways. We give instructive comments immediately after the singer has sung. If requested, all the applicants may receive the judges' original notes regarding their audition. Today, this is rarely or almost never done. How will a singer know exactly what the judges thought, improvements to make, or if they are singing the right repertoire or dressing appropriately to an audition? All these factors are crucial for an artist to understand. The knowledge the singers will receive is invaluable!" said Amara.

The New Jersey Association of Verismo Opera (Verismo Opera) is the house opera company of the Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC). Preliminary auditions will take place at bergenPAC's Drapkin Cabaret & Lounge, located at 30 North Van Brunt Street in Englewood, New Jersey, on Mondays, November 2, 9 and 16, 2015 from 5:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. Final auditions will take place in early 2016. A professional accompanist will be provided to all participants at the preliminary and final auditions.

All applicants are required to send a resume, bio, a MP3 file or a CD containing at least three arias, an 8 x 10 black and white photo, and the application fee. Applicants will be notified if they are accepted into the competition. An application may be downloaded at http://verismopera.org/causes/competitions-2/. The application fee is $75. 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, NJ 07024-9024.

Finalists will receive feedback and extensive free coaching on language, style and presentation. They will also be given the opportunity to perform in Verismo Opera's fully staged upcoming productions. Winners will receive cash awards totaling $3,500 ($2,000 first prize, $1,000 second prize and $500 third prize). For further information or to schedule an audition appointment, contact info@verismopera.org or call (201) 886-0561.

Participating in the vocal competition helped 2014 first prizewinner, José Heredia, in several ways. "Winning the New Jersey Association of Verismo Opera's 26th Annual International Vocal Competition was one of the best experiences I have had as an artist. I did not just win first prize. I won doors to great opportunities and the confidence and tools necessary to know that I can make it in this career. The master classes and coachings were a treasure chest of knowledge that I have used and will continue to use, as a stepping stone to reach a higher level of artistry," said Heredia, who also performed in the opera company's productions of La Boheme and Carmen.

Verismo Opera is committed to ensuring its programs and services are accessible to all. Street parking is available with designated handicapped parking spaces. Applicants requiring a special accommodation or with specific questions about the physical features of a facility where Verismo Opera performs may call (201) 886-0561 at least two weeks prior to the event.

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