New Jersey Association of Verismo Opera Accepting Applications Worldwide for 30th International Vocal Competition

PRESS RELEASE

Media Contact: Luhrs & Associates, press[at]luhrsandassociates.com

New Jersey Association of Verismo Opera Accepting Applications  for

30th International Vocal Competition

--Early Bird Registration Deadline July 31, 2018--

(Fort Lee, New Jersey; May 15, 2018) – Artistic Director Lucine Amara invites vocalists of all ages worldwide to apply to the New Jersey Association of Verismo Opera's (Verismo Opera) 30th Annual International Vocal Competition. The early bird registration deadline is July 31, 2018.

            "As unbelievable as it is, the New Jersey Association of Verismo Opera is going to celebrate our 30th anniversary. Though it certainly does not seem that long, we have come a long way. Our productions are bigger and grander. The audiences have grown to new heights. The caliber of our artists is top draw, and we are very proud our vocal competition has helped many young artists experience the 'big stage' with us. The free masterclasses we offer for the finalists have given many participants a chance to grow and move on to a great career," said Amara, who performed for over 40 years at the Metropolitan Opera in 882 on stage performances in 56 roles.

Preliminary Auditions

            Preliminary auditions occur on November 1, 3, 6, and 8, 2018 from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Final auditions are held on December 6, 2018 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. All auditions take place at Nola Studios in New York City in the United States of America. The application deadline is October 18, 2018. A professional accompanist is provided to all vocalists participating in the preliminary and final auditions.

            At the preliminary auditions, a luminary panel of judges officiates, including 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.

Free Master Class

            A free master class is offered to all applicants accepted to sing in the preliminary auditions, and finalists selected to perform in the vocal competition will be invited to attend three four-hour free master classes. During the master classes led by Amara and La Quaif, artists learn deportment, language, style and presentation at auditions.

            Finalists are given feedback; extensive free coaching on language, style and presentation; and the opportunity to perform in Verismo Opera's fully staged upcoming productions. Winners receive cash awards totaling $3,500 ($2,000 first prize, $1,000 second prize and $500 third prize).

Application

            All applicants are required to send an application, a resume, a bio, a MP3 file or a CD containing an aria recording, an 8 x 10 black and white photo, and the application fee. An application may be downloaded at http://bit.ly/NJAVO2018VCApplication. Applicants will be notified if they are accepted into the competition.

            The early bird registration fee, $55, is in effect through July 31, 2018, changing to $75 on August 1, 2018. 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.

            Verismo Opera, the Bergen Performing Arts Center's (bergenPAC) house opera company, is recognized for providing opportunities for artists to learn and perform in a professional environment with a live orchestra. Vocal competition winners and finalists perform in several of Verismo Opera's productions. The 28th and 29th Annual International Vocal Competition's first prize winners, sopranos Zhanna Alkhazova and Yulan Piao, performed in Verismo Opera's debut of Turandot.

            For further information or to schedule an audition appointment, contact info@verismopera.org or call (201) 886-0561.

About New Jersey Association of Verismo Opera

            For 29 years, the New Jersey Association of Verismo Opera, a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization headquartered in Fort Lee, New Jersey, has been an integral part of the region’s classical music culture. Led by Metropolitan Opera luminary Lucine Amara, Verismo Opera is the Bergen Performing Arts Center's house opera company. Verismo Opera provides performing opportunities for artists through semi-annual productions and concerts, directs an international vocal competition drawing artists worldwide, and organizes opera workshops and master classes.

            For information, visit Verismo Opera's web site, www.verismopera.org; follow the company on Facebook or Twitter @NJVerismoOpera; or call (201) 886-0561.

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Photo

Cutline.

Lucine Amara presented soprano Yulan Piao, the first place winner in the New Jersey Association of Verismo Opera's 29th Annual International Vocal Competition, the $2,000 award at the opera company's production of Turandot. Ms. Piao performed the role of Liu.

Photo Credit: Marilyn Monsanto