Elgin Opera to host vocal competition

An opportunity for singers of all ages to perform for qualified judges, be evaluated for vocal quality and technique, and potentially launch professional singing careers is once again being offered by Elgin Opera.

Established in 2007, Elgin Opera’s Vocal Competition is open to students and emerging artists from the Chicago area and across the country. Singers are adjudicated by established professionals in three rounds, culminating in finals open to the public.

In addition to the monetary prizes awarded, selected winners and finalists are invited to become members of Elgin Opera’s Training and Performing Ensembles and participate in future programming.

In 2008, the Emerging Artist division was added to the competition, providing a rare opportunity for more mature singers, whether just entering the professional phase of their careers or returning to opera after a hiatus. Plus, the coveted Most Promising Artist award was established in the competition’s third year.

There are four age divisions.

Division I, Twinkle Little Star, is for 13 years old and under.

Division II, Teen Artist, is for 14- to 18-year-olds.

The entry fee for Division I and II is $30.

The Division I and II preliminary rounds will be held the afternoon of Saturday, June 9, with the finalist recital at 3 p.m. Sunday, June 10. There is a $5 admission.

Division III, Young Artist, is for 19- to 26-year-olds. The preliminary round will be held Saturday, June 23 during the afternoon or evening.

Division IV, Emerging Artist, is for those age 27 and older. The preliminary round will be Sunday, June 24.

Preliminary entries for Divisions III and IV may also be submitted on CD; the entry fee is $50.

The Division III and IV semifinals will be Saturday, July 14, with the finalist recital at 3 p.m. Sunday, July 15. Admission $5, free to immediate family of finalists.

Monetary awards will be given to the first- to third-place finalists in each division. All prize winners are granted one-year free membership into the Elgin Opera Training or Elgin Opera Performing Ensembles, as appropriate ($225 value).

The event will be held in Kimball Street Theatre at the Elgin Academy campus, 350 Park St., just east of Dundee Avenue in downtown Elgin. Singers may download a PDF brochure from Elgin OPERA’s website at www.elginopera.org. Deadline for registration is June 1. For information, call (847) 695-5014 or visit www.elginopera.org.