Vocal Competition

A Competition for Singers WHO CAN ENTERTAIN

A logo for the haugh lighting company.

MARCH 15, 2025 in a LOCAtion ann arbor, michigan

 
The Harold Haugh Light Opera Vocal Competition was formed to honor one of the finest Oratorio Tenors and stage performers of the last century, Harold Alberto Haugh. Upon retirement in 1960, he became active in local theater and starred in six productions for the Comic Opera Guild. Educator (for 34 years) and performer, Prof. Haugh died in 2000, aged 94.

 

A woman in red dress singing on stage.

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

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)
  • ATTACH the following (total size maximum:25 mb)
    •  A good quality AUDIO CD demonstrating the applicant’s vocal skill.
    • Applicant must include two selections on the disc. The selections should be:
    • 1. A song or solo from the light opera repertoire, showing style
    • 2. An aria from opera or oratorio, showing technique
    • Selections 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 $55.00  if you will require the services of a Guild accompanist.
  • SHEET MUSIC in PDF form if requesting a Guild accompanist
  • 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.
  •  
  • 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 by FEBRUARY 21, 2025. 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

ENTRY FEE $40.00
ADD $55 if requesting a Comic Opera Guild accompanist
 
Payment may be made:
• by check to: The Comic Opera Guild, 3211 Packard St., Ann Arbor, MI 48108
• by PayPal: Go to PayPal.com, the SEND MONEY page, and deposit the amount to pay for your fee in US funds to The Comic Opera Guild email address: [email protected] When we receive notice of deposit, your entry is complete.
*by credit card, call 734-973-3264

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 $55. 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.

REQUIRED FOR SEMI-FINALS:

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 X,LOCATION

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.

Prizes will be awarded from the Harold Haugh competition fund. Prize money: First place-$1,200. second place $1,000, 3rd place $600. 

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.