ARTISTS OF THE FUTURE 2023

Young Adults Classical Voice Competition

The Opera Buffs is proud to announce a new vocal competition dedicated to young, classical vocalists who live in Los Angeles, Ventura, San Bernardino and Orange Counties, ages 16 – 22.

CASH PRIZES

First Place $2000
Second Place $1750
Third Place $1250
Audience Choice Award $1000

First, second and third place winners perform with the orchestra in the Final Season Showcase.

Additional cash awards may be given at the discretion of the judges.

DATES OF THE COMPETITION

January 28 and 29 – 12:00pm -5:00pm – PRELIMINARY ROUNDS
 UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music,
Schoenberg Hall, Rm. 1325, 445 Charles E. Young Drive, Los Angeles
*Auditions are closed to the general public but open to Opera Buffs members.

February 11 and 12 – PROFESSIONAL VIDEO RECORDINGS
made for Social Media Posting
Brent McMunn will be the pianist

February 26 – 2:00pm – FINAL ROUND
Zipper Hall at the Colburn School, 200 So. Grand Ave., Los Angeles.
*Open to the general public. This will be a ticketed event and free to Opera Buffs members.

May 5 – 7:30pm – FINAL SEASON SHOWCASE
First, Second and Third Place winners will be showcased with orchestra in Zipper Hall at the Colburn School along with other emerging artists who have auditioned for us.
*Open to the general public.
This will be a ticketed event and offered at a discounted price to Opera Buffs members.

RULES OF THE COMPETITION

  1. There is no application fee for participants.

  2. The competition is open to singers ages 16-22 born between February 27, 2000 and February 26, 2007.

  3. Singers must be current residents of Los Angeles, Ventura or San Bernardino Counties.

  4. Singers must be recommended by their voice teacher or coach or a teacher or coach associated with their school.

  5. Singers must perform two contrasting classical pieces, one of which must be an aria. One of the selections should be in a language other than English.

    A singer may offer an “optional” third selection that is a spiritual or “legit” musical theater piece by composer/lyricists such as Gershwin, Rodgers and Hart, Rodgers and Hammerstein, Lerner and Loewe, Forrest and Wright, Leonard Bernstein, Adam Guettel, or Stephen Sondheim. The vocal style of this optional piece should closely reflect the style of classical singing. (“Belting,” or heavy use of chest register is not appropriate.)

  6. Contestants may bring their own pianist or use the Opera Buffs pianist at no cost.

  7. Adjudication will be based on technique, tone quality, intonation, interpretation, overall musicianship, presentation and potential.

  8. THE DECISION OF THE JUDGES WILL BE FINAL.

  9. Prior to the Videotaping, finalists will coach with the Opera Buffs Music Director,
    Brent McMunn. Coaching appointments will be arranged between Mr. McMunn and the finalist.

  10. Finalists will have the opportunity to work with a professional videographer February 11 and 12 to render a high-quality audio and video recording that will be showcased on the Opera Buffs website, Facebook and Instagram to be voted on for the People’s Choice Award and that participants may use for future auditions and publicity purposes.

  11. Rights to any Competition performance, whether broadcast, televised, recorded or filmed, belong to the Competition. No fee is payable on account of these performances or any recordings, broadcasts, transmissions or film.

DEADLINE
Midnight, Friday, January 20, 2023

APPLY NOW

OUR MISSION

Opera Buffs is a 501©3 non-profit organization that supports young, emerging opera singers in Southern California by providing them with financial support for their artistic endeavors, as well as creating opportunities for professional mentorship and live performance within the LA community.

Opera Buffs is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, or religion.