Information for Singers

Please read the information below before applying. The link to the online application is at the bottom of this page.

GENERAL INFORMATION

1.  All applicants are considered for both the Eleanor McCollum Competition for Young Singers – Concert of Arias 2012 and for invitation to join the Houston Grand Opera Studio from September 2012. Note:  If you will not be able to participate in the Semi-final and Final auditions, please mention this in the availability section of the application form.  We still encourage you to apply for the preliminary auditions.  Participating in the Semi-final and Final auditions is not a requirement for admission to HGO Studio.

COMPLETING THE ONLINE APPLICATION

2.  Applications should be submitted online. Applications open on August 22, 2011. The application deadline is September 30, 2011.

3. Audition Dates – Please select your preferred city and date(s). If you can easily attend more than one city, please indicate this by selecting a second and/or third choice city. This may improve your chances of being granted an audition.

4.  Audition Repertoire – Preliminary audition repertoire must show a variety of styles and be offered in at least three different languages. Operetta and oratorio arias are acceptable substitutions. Five selections should be offered including two selections within the following criteria. 

-     An art song/aria in your native tongue written during your lifetime

-     At least one aria by Mozart, Rossini, or Handel

You are required to submit your chosen repertoire on your application, but you may amend your choices at your preliminary audition as long as you stick to the basic categories and offer contrasting repertoire.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

5.  References – Your application must be supported by at least two confidential recommendations from music professionals. As part of the application process, you will be given the opportunity to contact 2 references to ask them to complete a short online form through YAP Tracker. The deadline is September 30, 2011. Please contact your references early in the process. 

References should come from two of the seven professional types listed below.  (NOTE – A recommendation from your voice teacher will not be accepted.)

    a)  Opera Stage Director / Opera Workshop Director
    b)  Opera General Director
    c)  Music Director/Conductor
    d)  Artistic Administrator
    e)  Department Chairman or Dean
    f)   Choral Director
    g)  Pianist or Coach

6.  A non-refundable $30 application processing fee must be paid online at the time of submission. If we have offered to waive your fee, you will have received a special link to access the application form.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT 

7.  Selection criteria – Singers must demonstrate major operatic potential supported by musical and theatrical training.  There is no age limit.  HGO Studio reserves the right, without explanation, to decline to hear singers for any reason.  Applications are reviewed by HGO Studio staff and are considered confidential. 

8.  Audition Notification – Houston Grand Opera Studio will e-mail you by Friday, October 28, 2011 to tell you whether or not you have been allocated an audition, and either when/where it will be or how to schedule it.

9.  Preliminary Auditions – The order of your preferences on your application will be considered and accommodated to the best of our ability.  We understand that unforeseen circumstances may affect your availability - please inform us as soon as possible if you are unable to attend your audition or need to change times/dates.

10.  Audition Results – Applicants will be notified by e-mail of the result of their audition by January 2, 2012. The judges' decision is final.

11.  Semi-final and Final Auditions – Successful candidates in the preliminary auditions will be invited to come to Houston in January / February 2012 to participate in further auditions. Semi-final auditions will take place on January 28 and 29, 2012. Those not proceeding to the finals will return home on January 30. Finalists will participate in additional auditions, coaching and interviews culminating in a public performance on Thursday February 2, 2012, at which cash prizes are awarded. Travel and accommodation for semi-finalists and finalists will be provided by HGO.

Success in the competition does not guarantee an offer of a position in HGO Studio, neither is it necessary to sing in the competition in order to be offered a place in the Studio.

 Important Notes:

- You can access your application at any time by logging in to the YAP Tracker website.

- Do not mail applications, recordings or videotapes to HGO.

- Notify us immediately at studio@houstongrandopera.org if your contact information or availability to audition changes.

 Questions?  Check our frequently asked questions

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