Boston, MA – Boston Lyric Opera (BLO) announces its first aria contest for middle and high school students ages 11-17. Budding singers and instrumentalists are invited to submit a video by October 2nd of their own interpretation of one of 14 preselected arias. Up to five finalists will be chosen to perform live for a chance to win a cash prize at BLO’s new Open House at the Citi Performing Arts CenterSM Shubert Theatre Saturday, November 7th.
«We wanted to create an opportunity for talented young musicians to experiment with one of many selections from the popular opera repertoire, gain some performance experience, and maybe win a terrific prize,» notes BLO’s Education & Community Programs Manager Julie Green. «The contest is designed to showcase the amazing talent of area teens and to reinforce how fun opera can be for any age.»
Student musicians do not need to be opera singers to participate. All submissions are welcome including instrumental and ensemble interpretations of the chosen aria. Selected video submissions will be posted on YouTube so the public can vote for their favorites. Up to five favorites will be invited to perform live at BLO’s Open House November 7th for a large audience of Open House attendees as well as a panel of judges. The winning performance will be announced that day and will receive a $1,000 prize for first place. Second prize will be $500 and third prize will be $250.
What to do: Young musicians and their music teachers should visit blo.org/aria_contest for the list of arias and guidelines. DVDs of the performances should be sent to:
Boston Lyric Opera, Attn: Aria Contest
45 Franklin Street, Boston, MA, 02110
Submissions must include each participant’s name, age, town of residence, school, and daytime telephone number. Creativity and both traditional and non-traditional interpretations are encouraged.
Deadline to enter: On or before 5:00pm Friday, October 2, 2009. No late submissions will be accepted.
For full details, visit blo.org/aria_contest or email Ms. Green at education@blo.org.
