The BBC Cardiff Singer of the World Competition, one of the more repertoire-intensive competitions around, hosts 25 singers every other year in Cardiff, Wales for seven days of fierce competition. Nicole Cabell, the first American ever to receive the title “Singer of the World,” talks about the road that led to her success at this competition and others, about how she managed to pack for both a week of competing and a two-week European tour, and how she prepares on the day before a competition. Singers interested in taking part in the 2007 BBC Cardiff Competition should e-mail cardiff.singer@bbc.co.uk.
Competitions can sometimes seem to be a recipe for failure. Often they have only one winner, which means they have many losers. Competitions shouldn’t always be about winning, however, as master teacher David Jones points out. Competing in competitions can also provide invaluable performing experience, feedback from judges, and networking opportunities. Whatever your reason for competing, read David Jones’ advice for that next competition. From determining if you’ll be competitive, to what to wear, to choosing the right repertoire, to how to prepare, it’s all here.
Classical Singer was in attendance at the 2005 Concours Musical International de Montréal, a competition hosted in the historic city of Montreal, Canada. Each year the competition focuses on a different instrument, and 2005 was the year of the voice. The 2006 competition will feature violinists, but the 2007 Concours will again be for voice. Applications for entry are available for download now at www.jeunessesmusicales.com/en/concours/concours.asp.
