Vocal Competition
A Competition for Singers WHO CAN ENTERTAIN
MARCH 15, 2025 TAPPAN MIDDLE SCHOOL AUDITORIUM, AN ARBOR, MI
The competition is intended to evaluate singers not only through vocal ability, but also to combine it with acting ability, demonstrated through the variety of music produced by the composers of Light Opera. Singers can choose music from light classical sources that include comic opera, operetta or classic musical comedy
COMPETITION RULES
ELIGIBILITY
The 2025 Harold Haugh Light Opera Vocal Contest has no top age limit. It is open to all singers who are not professionally represented (under management) and who have not worked full-time as a professional singer. The competition is also intended to promote the variety of music produced by the composers of Light Opera. Singers can choose music from light classical sources that provide them a means to show their acting ability.
APPLICATIONS
Entries must be made by Saturday, February 15, 2025. Entrants will be notified within a week of that date whether they have been accepted into the Semi-Final Round.
Submit the following information via email to: [email protected], titled HAROLD HAUGH VOCAL COMPETITION
- PERSONAL INFO: NAME ADDRESS, CITY, STATE, ZIP, PHONE, EMAIL ADDRESS, VOICE TYPE and SHORT BIOGRAPHY (70 words or less)
- VOCAL SELECTIONS Indicate what you will sing. You will need three selections. TWO for the SEMI-FINAL ROUND (one from LIGHT OPERA that you can sell, and the other from opera or oratorio, the TECHNICAL selection. Then, ONE different selection from light opera (if chosen for the FINALS). List title, composer and show.
- ATTACH the following (total size maximum:25 mb)
- A good quality AUDIO CD demonstrating the applicant’s vocal skill. Suggested files are mp3 or mp4. The selection may be:
- A song or solo from the light opera repertoire, showing style, or
- An aria from opera or oratorio, showing technique
- Selection must be well-recorded and clear. A poor recording will be rejected.
- NOTE: If data size limit cannot be met, files must be sent via a service such as WeTransfer.
- A RECENT HEAD SHOT (jpg or png)
- OPTION: Add $50.00 if you will require the services of a Guild accompanist.
- SHEET MUSIC in PDF form if requesting a Guild accompanist
- All submissions must be received by: FEBRUARY 15, 2025.
- Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. Contestants’ recordings will be adjudicated, and contestants will be notified by e-mail if they have been accepted for the semi-final rounds. Audition times are assigned randomly. Singers may request a time if CIRCUMSTANCES exist, but will be assigned only if possible.
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REPERTORY
Many classically trained singers are not as familiar with light opera as they are with grand opera. For a list of Light Opera Showstoppers, CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW.
ENTRY FEE PAYMENT
ACCOMPANISTS
Contestants are responsible for securing their accompanists.
YOUR OWN ACCOMPANIST: Please ensure that your accompanist is certain he or she can accompany you. It may be impossible to secure a GUILD accompanist at the last minute due to your person cancelling.
GUILD ACCOMPANIST: One will be provided for a fee of $50. Include the fee in your application total. You must also send a copy of your music with your application for the Guild accompanist to review. If you have any special instructions on your interpretation, attach them to the music.
In the event a contestant is not chosen for the semi-final rounds, or is unable to attend, the accompanist fee will be returned.
Rehearsal rooms may not be available
If you use your own accompanist, it is your responsibility to have completed rehearsal prior to competition day. Guild accompanists are skilled professionals who will give you accurate accompaniment if you provide them with the music of your selections with your application
SCENE ENHANCEMENTS
Costumes and props may be used, but are not essential.
SEMI-FINALS:
The Semi-final round will be held at Tappan Middle School Auditorium, 2251 E. Stadium Blvd., Ann Arbor, MI
REQUIRED
FIRST SELECTION - TECHNICAL SKILL, FROM MEMORY (50%)
• ONE ARIA FROM OPERA OR ORATORIO, FROM MEMORY.
English translations are allowed. This selection should show the highest level of technical skill you have attained. It need not be musically complex, but should show skills such as accurate intonation, range, power and agility, as well as the pure beauty of your voice.
SECOND SELECTION - ARTISTIC INTERPRETATION (50%)
• ONE ARIA FROM THE LIGHT OPERA REPERTORY, FROM MEMORY.
The light opera repertory requires acting ability in equal proportion to vocal skill.
FINALS
Finalists, announced after semi-final round, will be presented in public concert for final adjudication on Saturday evening, March 15, 2251 E Stadium Blvd
REQUIRED FOR FINALS:
• TWO SONGS OR ARIAS, ONE TECHNICAL and ONE NEW SELECTION FROM THE LIGHT OPERA REPERTORY, BOTH FROM MEMORY
WHAT WINS THIS COMPETITION?
- SEND A GOOD QUALITY RECORDING
- If we can’t tell the quality of your voice, you may not make it to the semifinals.
- CHOOSE THREE SONGS CAREFULLY.
- You will be asked to sing two songs in the semi-final round. If you make the finals, you must add a different song from light opera.
- CHOOSE THE RIGHT SONGS.
- The Light Opera Selection should show your ability to sell a song. Your Technical Selection should show the highest vocal level you have achieved.
- DRESS APPROPRIATELY
- You don't need a "costume," but you should look good to the judges.
- ABOVE ALL. ACT! Vocal quality alone is not enough. Be sure to sell your Light Opera Selection.
Prizes will be awarded from the Harold Haugh competition fund. Prize money: First place-$1,200. second place $1,000, 3rd place $600.
All finalists will receive $100. The Young Artist winner (under 21) will receive $100. The Audience Favorite winner will receive $100.
All entrants, including winners, will be mailed comments. Finalists will be critiqued by an adjudication panel. Singers will be judged on both vocal technique and artistic presentation.