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Early bird registration costs $55 and ends July 31.
"Vocal competitions offer a singer the opportunity to experience performing at the highest level of intensity and fear," said Artistic Director Lucine Amara. "Performing in front of your peers is always more frightening than performing on stage."
Verismo will provide free master classes to auditioning singers which "offer a deeper knowledge of their art from professionals in the business," Amara added.
Preliminary auditions at Yeoryia Megremis Studios in Manhattan (2067 Broadway, 5th floor, Otello Room) are scheduled for 6-10 p.m. on Nov. 7, Nov. 9, and Nov. 14. The Nov. 12 and 19 auditions will take place from 2-6 p.m.
Participants will perform in front of a panel of judges, including Amara, who has performed at the Metropolitan Opera for over four decades.
The judges' comments will be sent to all preliminary participants and finalists, according to the organization's publicist Joyce Luhrs.
Final auditions will be held at The Liederkranz Foundation, located at 6 East 87 Street in Manhattan, on Jan. 4, 2017 from 3-5:30 p.m.
A professional accompanist will be provided to all participants at the preliminary and final auditions, Luhrs said.
Winners will receive cash awards totaling $3,500 – $2,000 for first place, $1,000 for second place and $500 for third.
The application deadline is October 31, 2016. Registration costs will rise to $75 after Aug. 1.
Payments can be made online here or by check to Verismo Opera, P.O. Box 3024, Fort Lee, New Jersey 07024-9024.
Applicants are required to send a resume, bio, and a CD or MP3 files containing at least three arias along with an 8-inch by 10-inch black and white photo and the application fee.
Those chosen to participate will be informed, Luhrs said.
Applications are available online.
For more information or to schedule an audition appointment, call (201) 886-0561 or e-mail info@verismopera.org.
The New Jersey Association of Verismo Opera is the house opera company of the Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) in Englewood.
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