8th Annual Handel Aria Competition

he Handel Aria Competition is an annual event dedicated to promoting the performance of Handel’s extensive vocal repertoire.

The 8th annual Handel Aria Competition will be held on August 20, 2021 in the new Hamel Music Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Eligibility

Auditions are open to all voice types. Minimum age is 18 years old and suggested age limit is 35 years old. Applicants over 35 will be considered on a case by case basis to determine whether their experience qualifies as emerging artist level. Past finalists are eligible to audition, with the exception of first prize winners.

Applications for the preliminary round must be completed in entirety through YAP Tracker by June 15, 2021 and include:

* Completed application form

* Unedited audio recordings of two Handel arias: One aria in English and the other in Italian, German, or Latin. Arias may be from any Handel works including operas, oratorios, cantatas, motets, etc.

* A bio of 150 words or less

* Non-refundable application fee of $20

Please label recordings with your name and titles of arias. Piano and harpsichord accompaniment will be accepted for the recording; however, the finals will be accompanied by harpsichord and instrumental ensemble at A=415 Hz. Technically poor recordings will be rejected.

Judges will evaluate the recordings and choose seven finalists and one runner-up. Singers will be judged on voice quality and historically correct Baroque performance practice. Competitors who are selected to participate in the Finals will be notified by email no later than June 30, 2021. Should any of the chosen finalists be unable to sing in the final round, the runner-up will be invited to participate in the final round.

Prizes

First prize: $1,500

Second prize: $1,000

Third prize: $750

Audience Favorite: $500

Appl deadline: June 15.