Early Bird Deadline for NJ Association of Verismo Opera's Free Master Class & International Vocal Competition Set for 7/31

Lucine Amara, Artistic Director of the New Jersey Association of Verismo Opera, announces a free master class will be offered to vocalists accepted to audition in the Verismo Opera 27th Annual International Vocal Competition's preliminary round. The early bird registration deadline to apply to the vocal competition is July 31, 2015.

Amara, a Met Opera luminary, and Verismo Opera's General Manager, Evelyn La Quaif, will teach the master classes. "Our free master class will give young artists the opportunity to learn deportment, language, style and presentation at auditions. This was offered at the Metropolitan Opera many years ago and, unfortunately, has not been presented for some time. We encourage singers to apply to the New Jersey Association of Verismo Opera's 27th Annual International Vocal Competition, take advantage of this opportunity, and attend the master class. This information is crucial to advancing your audition abilities," said Amara.

The New Jersey Association of Verismo Opera (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.

Preliminary auditions will take place at bergenPAC's Drapkin Cabaret & Lounge, located at 30 North Van Brunt Street in Englewood, New Jersey, from November 1-14, 2015. The application deadline is October 31, 2015. Final auditions will take place in early 2016.

The early bird registration fee, $55, is in effect through July 31, 2015, changing to $75 on August 1, 2015. 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.

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/.

A professional accompanist will be provided to all participants at the preliminary and final auditions. This year, a free master class will be offered to applicants accepted to sing in the preliminary auditions in the vocal competition.

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.

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