Carolyn Bailey and Dominick Argento Vocal Competition

The Carolyn Bailey and Dominick Argento Vocal Competition is conducted annually in two divisions: The Artist Division and the Scholarship Division. Preliminary screening and Semi-final rounds are heard by audio recording. Eight to ten finalists are selected in each division to compete in a live final audition.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the final auditions for 2021 will not be held in person (initial submissions, however, will be by audio recording). Instead, finalists will submit video auditions which will be viewed by the judges on January 9, 2021 as part of the NOA Annual Conference, hosted in St. Augustine, FL (additional details below).

2021 Eligibility and Fees

The Scholarship Division is open to singers aged 18-24, as of January 9, 2021 who are currently enrolled in or have completed undergraduate or graduate programs, or their equivalent. Entry fee for the Scholarship Division is $20 (twenty dollars).

The Artist Division is open to singers aged 25-40, as of January 9, 2021. Entry fee for the Artist Division is $40 (forty dollars).

There are no residency or citizenship requirements. The competition is open to all singers who meet the criteria for the appropriate division.

Singers in the Scholarship Division must present four opera arias in contrasting styles and periods, in three languages, including one originally in English, at a level appropriate to their vocal development. The competition committee reserves the right to reject unsuitable repertoire. One of the four may be an operetta, zarzuela, or musical theatre selection. Oratorio arias are not permitted.

Singers in the Artist Division must present five opera arias in contrasting styles and periods, in four languages, including one originally in English. The competition committee reserves the right to reject unsuitable repertoire. One of the five may be an operetta or zarzuela aria, but musical theatre selections are not permitted in the Artist Division. Oratorio arias are also not permitted.

See website for recording requirements.

The deadline for submission of the online application, including payment of the entry fee, is October 15, 2020.

For more info, go to https://www.noa.org/competitions/vocal-competition.html