Bel Canto Chorus Announces 26th Annual Regional Artists Competition

MILWAUKEE - Feb. 25, 2015 - PRLog -- Bel Canto Chorus of Milwaukee announces the 26^th annual Regional Artists Competition on Saturday, May 9, 2015, 1:00 PM at the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music, 1584 N Prospect Ave., Milwaukee, WI  53202.

Singers of any age with strong oratorio experience are invited to audition for a solo engagement with Bel Canto Chorus during its 2015-2016 concert season, which includes a cash prize of $1,000. Past winners have gone on to perform with prestigious organizations including the Metropolitan Opera, Santa Fe Opera, and Rome Festival Orchestra.

Judges for the competition include; Richard Hynson, Music Director, Bel Canto Chorus and Milwaukee Chamber Orchestra, Michelle Hynson, Assistant Conductor, Bel Canto Chorus, Zachary Durlam, Director of Choral Activities, University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, Jill Anna Ponasik, Producing Artistic Director, Milwaukee Opera Theatre, and Gregory Ruffer, President, Wisconsin Conservatory of Music.

Interested singers with strong oratorio experience should send:

•    A one-page resume (including phone & email)

•    One 8x10 professional photo

•    Two letters of recommendation

•    $35 non-refundable application fee (check payable to Bel Canto Chorus)

•    One clearly labeled CD or DVD of any repertoire that best represents your voice, no longer than 10 minutes. (Application materials will not be returned.)

Each competition finalist will be given 10 minutes to sing two selections.  At least one selection should be from oratorio repertoire.

The postmark deadline for applications is March 26, 2015.

Mail to:

Regional Artists Competition 2015

Bel Canto Chorus

158 N. Broadway

Milwaukee, WI  53202

Finalists will be notified by April 17, 2015.

For more information, please contact Casey Harding Helm, Box Office & Programs Manager, at 414.481.8801 or chhelm@belcanto.org.