Cooper-Bing Competition

Cooper-Bing Competition

Broadcast from the Southern Theatre Columbus, Ohio May 15, 2022

JUDGES PANEL

• Clare Burovac - General and Artistic Director, New Orleans Opera Association
• Dr. Everett McCorvey - Director of Opera Theatre, Lexington Opera Society Endowed Chair in Opera Studies, Professor of Ensemble Directors, University of Kentucky
• Kathleen Kelly Conductor, Pianist, Educator, and Writer

2022 Cooper-Bing Competition

The purpose of The Cooper-Bing Competition is to discover, recognize, and encourage young operatic talent.

Eligibility

The competition is open to professional and pre-professional singers who have completed, or are engaged in completing, a musical education suitable for the operatic stage.

1. All applicants must be between 21-35 years of age on May 15, 2022.
2. Past applicants (except those who have exceeded the age limit) may re-enter as new applicants. However, past finalists are no longer eligible to compete.
3. Current full-time employees of the Opera Columbus staff are ineligible to audition.

Application Fee

The application fee is $20 and should be submitted online through YAP Tracker as part of your application. Application fees are non-refundable.

Application

Each applicant must submit an application form online via YAP Tracker at https://www.yaptracker.com/applications/operacolumbus-2022

Supplemental Materials

Each applicant must submit the following supplemental materials via YAP Tracker: a photocopy of his/her governmentissued ID (must show date of birth) or birth certificate, a current performing resume, a photograph (8x10 jpeg), proof of COVID-19 vaccination, and three video files of three different arias (see “Artistic Requirements” below). Detailed information regarding supplemental materials is included on page three. All application materials, recordings, and fees become the property of Opera Columbus, and will not be returned to applicants.

Artistic Requirements

Applicants must submit a high-quality video recording of three contrasting arias from opera and/or operetta. All selections must have accompaniment (piano or orchestra); one recording must be in English language. Please be certain that your video can be clearly heard. Applicants may include no more than one aria translated from the original language, and only if it is a piece that is commonly sung in translation.

Finals

Five finalists we be selected to attend the final competition on May 15, 2022. If selected for the finals, artists will need to prepare three arias. Each finalist will select their first aria and the judges will select their second aria at the final competition. A panel of opera and voice professionals will judge these recordings and select the singers who will compete in the live competition. Awards

First Place ............................................................. $10,000 Second Place...........................................................$5,000 Third Place...............................................................$2,500 Fourth Place.............................................................$1,500 Fifth Place................................................................$1,000 Merle McInturff Audience Choice Award .......................$300

2021 Cooper-Bing Competition

FEBRUARY 1, 2022 is the deadline for online application, payment and the supplemental materials.

INCOMPLETE OR LATE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. Please retain a copy of your application form for your records.

Finalists will be notified by the end of March 2022 via email. Those not advancing to the finals will be notified via email.

Finals will be on May 15, 2022 at the Southern Theatre in Columbus, OH. A panel of nationally recognized opera professionals will judge those invited to compete in the final round.

SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIALS

All supplemental materials are to include the following and should be uploaded via YAP Tracker:

• Copy of government-issued ID or birth certificate Include a photocopy of either a government-issued ID, such as a driver’s license or state ID card (must include date of birth), or your birth certificate. (Required for age verification.)

• Photograph Include a professional head shot (jpeg format).

• Performing resume A performing resume should include complete roles you have prepared, with whom it was performed, awards and grants, musical training and degrees, current and former voice teachers, and any other relevant professional experience. Maximum one page.

• Video Recordings Your recording should include three contrasting arias from opera and/or operetta. Applicants may include no more than one aria translated from the original language, and only if it is a piece that is commonly sung in translation. All selections must include accompaniment. DO NOT include additional selections or audio only recordings. Label the recording with the aria title and competition year (2022) – Do NOT include your name on the video in order to maintain a fair and anonymous audition process.

Your payment and online application must be completed, and supplemental materials must be uploaded no later than February 1, 2022.

If you are unable to submit due to cost, Opera Columbus does have a limited amount of sponsorship opportunities available to cover the $20 application fee. Contact rwill@operacolumbus.org for more information.

Application Checklist:

• Completed application form (submitted via YAP Tracker by February 1, 2022)
• $20 application fee (submitted online via YAP Tracker)
• Supplemental materials: (submitted online via YAP Tracker by February 1, 2022)
  • Copy of ID or birth certificate
  • Performing resume
  • Photograph (jpeg format, does not need to be professional)
  • Video Recording of three arias Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination Card