Sinfonietta Bel Canto opens applications for 14th annual Voice Competition

Posted November 12, 2026 1:25 pm

By Stephen Thurlow, Sinfonietta Bel Canto

The Sinfonietta Bel Canto, a Downers Grove-based orchestra, is now taking applications for its 14th annual SBC Voice Competition.

This concert gives multiple orchestra opportunities for Collegiate Artists and Emerging Artists, as well as Little and Teen Stars to perform with piano accompaniment. There are cash prizes offered in each category, ranging from $50 – Little Stars (ages 13 or under); $100 – Teen Stars (ages 14-18); $150 – Collegiate Artists (ages 19-24); and $200 – Emerging Artists (ages 25 or older)

Entrants apply online at sinfoniettabelcanto.org, under “The SBC Voice” tab near the top which includes all forms, guidelines, and payment button. A completed submission (including authorizations and fees) is due by 11:59 p.m. Friday, Jan. 15, 2027.

All entrants will be invited to a first-round live audition on Saturday, Feb. 6. Audition times will be emailed at least five days before audition date. An accompanist will be provided. No online/video submissions will be accepted.

Finalists from each category will be chosen to compete in the live concert on Sunday, March 21. Finalists must also be available to rehearse with orchestra or piano from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 20, and 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Sunday, March 21, prior to the concert.

The competition is open to singers of all ages, and entrants should consult /download the “Competition Guidelines” PDF, which includes sample repertoire, sinfoniettabelcanto.org/wordpress/the-sbc-voice/. If you have questions about repertoire, email TheSBCVoice@gmail.com. In addition to the March 2027 SBC Voice Finalists concert, later in the fall, the SBC Voice Invitational may also feature selected competitors to perform with piano or orchestra, respectively.

This 14th annual SBC Voice Finalists Competition will be held at 4 p.m. Sunday, March 21, at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, 5739 Dunham Road in Downers Grove. In addition, Sinfonietta Bel Canto will feature Florence Price’s Symphony No. 1 in E minor in its tribute to “Women and Voices.”

This program is partially funded by grants from Arts DuPage, a DuPage foundation initiative, and the Illinois Arts Council with funds from the National Endowment of the Arts.