The second annual "Future of Opera Vocal Competition" organized by Utah Valley Operafest, and supported by the UVU Department of Music, is dedicated to identifying, training, and showcasing classical vocal talents in high school-aged singers. This event offers participants the chance to earn cash prizes, vocal scholarships, training, and invaluable performance opportunities. Mark your calendars for this year's competition, scheduled for April, 2024 at Utah Valley University!

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 Eligibility: 

The competition is open to all singers aged 14-19 (as of April 5, 2024).  An extensive background in classical singing is not necessary, as this would be fairly rare in a singer of this age group. We are searching for individuals with potential in the field. Applicants might include those who have prepared for the state Solo and Ensemble Competition, choral or musical theater singers, or sterling scholar applicants. Participants may include those who have already studied voice privately, or those brand new who show an interest. We want to recognize and assist those with raw talent and showcase them in multiple performing opportunities!

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Requirements:

Singers should prepare two classical art songs or opera arias. One selection must be in a foreign language. If necessary, one selection may be a classical or golden-age musical theater song sung in a classical manner. Contemporary songs and styles such as belt, pop, rock, etc. are not the right fit for this competition. 

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Competition details:

This year's competition will be in a public recital format. All confirmed singers should dress in semi-formal performance attire (nice dresses and suits, but gowns and tuxedos are not necessary). Singers should arrive at the NuSkin Recital Hall in the Noorda Center on UVU campus at 6;30pm on Friday, April 5th, 2024. Participants are encouraged to invite family and friends to the performance. There will be a brief awards ceremony at the conclusion of the competition.  A professional pianist will be provided, however singers may also bring their own. 

 

Prizes :

First prize (Female voice):

•  $1,000 cash*

• A Solo performance with professional orchestra on July 31st, 2024, at The Noorda Center for the Performing Arts.

• Full-tuition scholarship to participate in the 2024 Utah Valley Operafest Vocal Program

• A scholarship (up to full-tuition) to study voice at UVU**

First Prize (Male voice):

• $1,000 cash*

• Solo performance with professional orchestra on July 31st, 2024 at The Noorda Center for the Performing Arts.

• Full-tuition scholarship to participate in the 2024 Utah Valley Operafest Vocal HS Program.

• A scholarship (up to full-tuition) to study voice at UVU**

Second place: 

• $250 cash

• Full-tuition scholarship to participate in the 2024 Utah Valley Operafest Vocal HS Program..

Third place: 

• $100 cash

• Full-tuition scholarship to participate in the 2024 Utah Valley Operafest Vocal HS Program..

Honorable mention(s):

• Variable scholarships to participate in the 2024 Utah Valley Operafest Vocal HS Program..

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Rules:

Winners will be notified on the date the competition, but awards will be presented on July 7th at the orchestra concert.

 

*First prize winners are required to perform at winner's concert on July 31st. In the event that a winner is unable to appear at the concert, the award will be given to the next highest ranked singer. 

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**UVU music scholarship winners must also apply to the university and fill out the scholarship application BEFORE April 15, 2024 if enrolling in Fall 2024. 

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-Scholarship criteria information can be found at uvu.scholarshipuniverse.com. 

 

-If you have applied for and received an academic scholarship, the combination of academic and music tuition scholarships may not exceed full tuition. You may send your high school transcripts and ACT or SAT scores to UVU as part of your admissions application prior to March 1 to be considered for an academic scholarship. A full-tuition academic scholarship will supersede any tuition music scholarship. Scholarship awards may be received for a total of eight semesters pending annual audition and GPA results.

 

-Scholarship awards will be posted to your myUVU account later in the spring and will be formally credited to your account on the day tuition is due. Contact the Scholarship Office directly (https://www.uvu.edu/financialaid/) to inquire about your eligibility status and if there are further steps and/or appeals you must complete for eligibility.

 

Note: Utah Valley University (UVU) does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age (40 and over), disability status, veteran status, pregnancy, childbirth, or pregnancy-related conditions, citizenship, genetic information, or other bases protected by applicable law in employment, treatment, admission, access to educational programs and activities, or other University benefits or services.

 

The information provided is in compliance with the U.S. Department of Education’s disclosure requirements for programs eligible for Title IV financial aid as programs that prepare students for gainful employment in a recognized occupation as required in 34 CFR6668.6(b). 

 

Questions? Contact us: uvaasummeroperafestival@gmail.com

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Applications coming soon. 

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2023 Winners

After an amazing night of singing, the judges compared their scores and found an extremely tight race! We want to thank all of our applicants, who were well-prepared and sang beautifully! We are also SO grateful for the many choral directors and voice teachers who recommended their students to us! The awards are as follows:

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First prize, male voice: Joseph Blomberg, senior from Provo High School

First prize, female voice: Sariah Holmes, senior from Timpview High School

Second prize (overall): Benjamin Brown, senior from Lone Peak High School

Third prize (overall): Lindsey Uhl, senior from Provo High School

Honorable mention awards: 

Hannah Rigby, Wasatch High School

Kaitlyn Kingston, Provo High School

Meghan Delate, Timpview High School

Sadie Cox, Box Elder High School

Sariah Reed, Timpview High School

Emma Zanetti, Rock Springs High School

Emma Matthews, Payson High School 

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