Bel Canto Chorus announces annual Regional Artists Competition

Jan. 17, 2013 - PRLog -- Milwaukee, WI - Bel Canto Chorus of Milwaukee announces the 24th annual Regional Artists Competition for vocalists on Saturday, April 13, 2013, 1:00 PM at the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music, 1584 N Prospect Ave., Milwaukee, WI  53202.

Singers of any age with strong oratorio experience are invited to audition for a solo engagement with Bel Canto Chorus during its 2013-2014 concert season, which includes a cash prize of $1,000. Past winners have gone on to perform with prestigious organizations including the Metropolitan Opera, Santa Fe Opera, and Rome Festival Orchestra.

Judges for the competition include; Richard Hynson, Music Director, Bel Canto Chorus and Milwaukee Chamber Orchestra, Michelle Hynson, Assistant Conductor, Bel Canto Chorus, William Florescu, General Director, Florentine Opera Company, Richard Carsey, Brian Groner, Music Director, Fox Valley Symphony Orchestra, and Ernest Brusubardis III, Music Director, Waukesha Choral Union.  Additional adjudicators will be selected from the following organizations: Bach Chamber Choir, Central Wisconsin Symphony Orchestra, Festival Choir of Madison, Milwaukee Choristers, Racine Symphony Orchestra, Sheboygan Symphony Orchestra, Skylight Music Theatre, and others.

Interested singers with strong oratorio experience should send:

•    A one-page resume (including phone & email)

•    One 8x10 professional photo

•    Two letters of recommendation

•    $35 non-refundable application fee (check payable to Bel Canto Chorus)

•    One clearly labeled CD or DVD of any repertoire that best represents your voice, no longer than 10 minutes. (Application materials will not be returned.)

Each competition finalist will be given 10 minutes to sing two selections.  At least one selection should be from oratorio repertoire. Singers may choose, but are not required, to include a solo from Bel Canto’s 2013-2014 Season which will feature Poulenc’s Gloria, Durufle’s Requiem, Bach’s St. Matthew Passion, and Orff’s Carmina Burana.

The postmark deadline for applications is March 4, 2013.

Mail to:          Regional Artists Competition 2013

         Bel Canto Chorus

         158 N. Broadway

         Milwaukee, WI  53202

Finalists will be notified by March 22, 2013.

For more information, please contact Rebecca Whitney, Education and Outreach Manager, at 414.481.8801 x4 or rwhitney@belcanto.org.