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Part of SAS Performing Arts Company and Studios mission is to focus on recognizing and creating opportunities for emerging artists and helping to support them to the next level of artistic development.

To achieve that, we have instituted a competition for emerging artists. Since our first competition in 2020,  SAS has awarded over $20,000 to emerging artists to assist them in their career development. Past winners have gone on to various young artist programs and make their debuts with major companies across Europe and the United States including The Metropolitan Opera, Tulsa Opera, Florida Grand Opera, The English National Opera, and Staatsoper Berlin.

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Date: Saturday October 26, 2024

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Competition Awards

1st Prize: $3,500

2nd Prize: $1,500

3rd Prize:  $1000 - The Luana DeVol Award for Dramatic Voices

Classical Cross Over Award: $500 - The Frank Surdi Memorial Award

The LC Vaughn Sankofa Memorial Award for emerging African American Artists - $150.00

Incentive Grants: $100 

The Jeanette Reith Larsen Memorial Incentive Award

The Adele T Rossano Memorial Incentive Award

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ELIGIBILITY

• The competition is open to all performers who desire a career in opera and classical crossover.

• Former SAS Performing Arts Company Competition  Winners (except Incentive awards) cannot re-apply.

• Repertoire once submitted cannot be changed.

• Submitted materials cannot be returned.

• Submission of this application does not guarantee an audition.

• Eligible participants will be notified of the date, time and location of the audition by email.

• An Accompanist will be provided at no cost.

• $40.00 non-refundable fee required to apply.

• SAS Performing Arts Company and Studios, Inc. cannot assume any responsibility for expenses incurred during any portion of the competition.

• The performer's challenge: present to the judges a proper technique, an understanding of the text and   style of the selection through their understanding of the music and lyrics.

• Classical crossover is a genre that hovers between classical and popular music, and is usually targeted  at fans of both types of music. In the most common type of crossover, classically trained performers  (most often operatic superstars) sing the Great American Songbook, show tunes, or holiday songs.  These submissions must be in English.

• Age Requirement 18+

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APPLICATION & FEES*

•  $ 40 Application Fee*

       *Application Fee non refundable

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HOW TO APPLY

• Complete the online application

• The cut off date for applications is September 8, 2024. 

• Please follow submission guidelines for Opera category as well as Crossover category completely.

• If you have any question, please feel free to contact us at : competitions@sasperformingarts.com

• Throughout the competition, the decision of the judges is final.

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JUDGES:  

The judges for the 2024 competition will be announced soon.  Over the years our distinguished judges have included  Metropolitan Opera Artists Kirsten Chambers, Luana DeVol, Dr. Isola Jones, Tichina Vaughn,  Anthony Laciura, and Vernon Hartmann.  International Artists Amy Johnson and Christine Moore, Music Executive/Career Counselor Deborah Surdi, and Artistic Director Stephen Scovasso.  In addition, Mary Pinto will be the collaborative pianist for the Finals.

 

 

FIRST ROUND

• Submit three (3) complete arias in, at least, two (2) different languages (one being English).

• If you are interested in the Crossover award, please include one selection of this nature in English.

• The submission should be of a good quality video recording. A recording that is not clear  cannot be judged.  

• Each selection should be provided as a separate upload.

• No repertoire changes are allowed after submission materials are received by SAS Performing Arts Company and Studios, Inc.

• Your most recent headshot and resume must be downloaded.

• Please process the application fee online.

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SEMI-FINALS

• The Semi-finalists will be announced by email and on social media on September 15.2024.

• Each Semi finalist will be invited to submit another selection or to use the ones already submited. 

• All Semi-Finalists are hereby informed that we may use their video, biography, and headshot in our publicity and promotional materials.

• Semi final materials must be delivered no later than  Wednesday September 22, 2024.

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FINALS

• Finalists will be announced by email, on our social media pages, and in a press release no later than September 26, 2024. All finalists will be featured on our social media and website leading up to our final round. 

• The Finalist Concert will be held live in New York City on Saturday October 26, 2024.  Participation in the finals is required in order to be eligible for consideration.

• The winners will be announced at the end of the final competition.

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