Intl. Wagner Competition

By Richard Wagner

Auditions

General Information

The Seattle Opera International Wagner Competition has been created to identify and recognize opera singers who demonstrate clear promise of an important career in the Wagner repertoire. Two unrestricted cash grants of $20,000 each, and two of $5,000 will be awarded to singers at the end of the Competition. A contract with Seattle Opera either for a role or as a cover is possible for any of the finalists.

The Competition is open to professional singers world-wide who have had the training and performance experience appropriate for preparation to perform a Wagner role. Candidates should be between the ages of 25-39 and must meet the age requirements on the date of the Competition for that year.

Participation In The Competition by Nomination Only

Nominees will be solicited from General Directors, artist representatives, and an international panel of established opera professionals. There are no application forms and general letters of interest will not be accepted.

All nominations must be submitted with curriculum vitae and accompanying audio CD's no later than June 30, 2013. Submitted materials will be screened and qualifying Competition Candidates will be notified by August 7 to participate in the Preliminary Rounds. All qualifying Candidates must participate in the Preliminary Rounds. Consideration for Competition Finalists will close after the last Preliminary Round in Seattle.

Preliminary Rounds

1. Preliminary rounds will be held in London, continental Western Europe, New York and Seattle as follows:

a. Munich: September, 2013
b. London: September, 2013
c. New York December , 2013
d. Seattle: December, 2013

2. Candidates will be expected to prepare at least two Wagner arias (preferably more) in the original key, in German and must provide their own accompanist.

3. Speight Jenkins and members of an advisory panel will select eight Finalists and two alternates (Contestants) for the Final Round. Finalists, who will appear in the August 7, 2014 competition contest, will be notified by January, 2014.

Final Round

1. The Final Round of the Competition will be a full-orchestra concert at McCaw Hall in Seattle, WA on August 7, 2014.

2. Selected Contestants will be asked to sign a letter of intent acknowledging their understanding of the rules and regulations of the Competition. For non-resident aliens this letter will also facilitate in obtaining visa authorization.

3. Contestants will arrive in Seattle for coaching and rehearsals to begin August 1, 2014, and will participate in promotion, publicity, and media efforts.

4. Each Contestant will receive one economy round trip flight from a major city to Seattle, hotel lodging, and per diem for the one week stay in Seattle.

5. Seattle Opera will assist non-resident alien Contestants in obtaining the appropriate visa authorization. In this case, the Contestant shall provide Seattle Opera with the information necessary for such application. Seattle Opera is not responsible should a Contestant be denied a visa or fail to complete the visa process as required. More information will be provided as Contestants are notified.

6. Should a Finalist be unable to perform on August 7, 2014 one of the selected Alternates will take their place in the Competition as a Finalist.

7. Seattle Opera reserves the right to use any recording made or photograph taken in conjunction with the Competition as they see fit. No compensation will be granted to any contestant as a result of the use of these materials in print, or any other media format.

8. All cash awards will be reported on a form 1099 at the end of the calendar year. It is understood that prize winners are liable for Federal and State income taxes and withholding as required by law. Prizes for non-resident alien Contestants may be pre-taxed as stipulated by treaty agreements.

9. Seattle Opera reserves the right to withhold any award at the discretion of the adjudication panel.

10. Decisions of the members of the jury will be final.

11. All Contestants must abide by the official rules of the Competition.