BSO Hosts 6th Annual O, SAY CAN YOU SING? Competition; Auditions Set for Today

Capitalizing the appeal of singing shows like The Voice, Glee and American Idol among local "tweens" and teens, the BSO announces its sixth annual singing competition, "O, Say Can You Sing?" Contestants will vie for the chance to sing the national anthem alongside the BSO in front of thousands at the BSO's annual Star-Spangled Spectacular concerts held at Baltimore County's Oregon Ridge Park, July 3-4, 2013. See below for complete competition and event details.

The competition is open to singers age 8 to 18. Auditions will take place by appointment only today, June 20 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall. Parental permission will be required of all contestants under the age of 18. Audition times will be distributed on a "first come, first served" basis. When arriving for your audition, please enter through the side administrative entrance off Cathedral Street and check-in with the receptionist. Contestants must be able to sing the "Star-Spangled Banner" in the key of B-flat major (starting note is F) or A-flat major (starting note is E-flat) along with an accompanist provided by the BSO. Contestants will be judged on singing ability and stage presence.

COMPLETE REGISTRATION DETAILS:

• To register, visit BSOmusic.org/sing to fill in the online registration form and download a waiver form which is required to audition. The registration deadline is Tuesday, June 18, 2013.
• Auditions will take place by appointment only today, June 20, 2013 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall.
• Audition times will be distributed on a "first come, first served" basis.
• Winners will be required to attend the Star-Spangled Spectacular at Oregon Ridge Park on July 3-4, 2013.

The Star-Spangled Spectacular will take place on Wednesday, July 3, 2013 at 8 p.m.-Oregon Ridge Park and Thursday, July 4, 2013 at 8 p.m.-Oregon Ridge Park, featuring Robert Bernhardt, conductor and Katie Van Kooten, soprano.

Join the BSO for an all-American holiday celebration featuring Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture, Sousa's Stars and Stripes Forever and more, choreographed to an amazing fireworks display! Plus hear the BSO's "O, Say Can You Sing?" contest winner perform the National Anthem.

Tickets are general admission lawn seating and are available through the BSO Ticket Office, BSOmusic.org or 410.783.8000 or at the park gate. Advanced tickets are $18 for adults and $9 for children under 12. If purchased at the gate, tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children under 12.

Free parking is available at the Verizon lot on Shawan Road with shuttle to the park. Permits for onsite parking can be purchased for $12 in advance from the BSO Ticket Office or for $15 at the gate.

Gates will open at 5:00 p.m. and local vendors will be onsite with food and beverages available for purchase. Concertgoers are invited to bring lawn chairs, blankets and picnics for a full evening of entertainment with the BSO.