The deadline is fast approaching to apply for 12 coveted spots in Florida Grand Opera’s Young Artist Program for the 2018-19 season.
The program, under the guidance of acclaimed soprano Diana Soviero and master stage director Bernard Uzan, is one of the most prestigious opera training centers in the United States.
The program’s successful alumni include sopranos Sarah Coburn, Elizabeth Caballero, Leah Partridge, Rachele Gilmore, and Jennifer Zetlan; mezzo-soprano Cynthia Cook; tenors Rene Barbera, Andrew Bidlack, Chad Johnson, Martin Nusspaumer, and Russell Thomas, and bass Adam Lau.
All applications to the Young Artist Program must be made exclusively through YAP Tracker; applications by U.S. mail will not be accepted. A headshot is required. The final deadline for all applications is Monday, Oct. 2. Applications will require a fee of $50.
Applicants must be United States citizens or possess the Right to Work in the U.S. Non-U.S. citizens must show a photocopy of Right to Work documentation. No exceptions will be made for applicants who fail to meet these requirements.
A qualified candidate will have completed a master’s degree or artist diploma at an accredited university, as well as having completed at least one other Young Artist Program. Candidates who have not fulfilled these requirements should have completed at least two secondary roles on the main stage of a professional opera company in the U.S. or at an international opera house.
Applicants are asked to prepare two or more contrasting arias in any combination of audio or video formats (two audio, two video, or one of each). Each aria must include an accompaniment; FGO prefers that the performances will have been recorded during the past year.
Once applicants have been through a preliminary screening, two sets of live auditions will be held: in Miami on Nov. 6 and in New York, Dec. 4-7.
All applicants must bring four copies of their printed materials to the audition. At this stage, headshots are required only if not submitted to FGO at the earlier stage of the process. Applicants granted a live audition have the option of changing their arias from what was submitted originally.
Florida Grand Opera provides a pianist for the auditions, but applicants have the option of bringing their own accompanists. All those auditioning in Miami will be notified of FGO’s decision no later than 11:59 p.m. on Oct. 20. Those auditioning in New York will be notified by 11:59 p.m. on Nov 4, 2017.
Any questions should be addressed to Mitch Roe, Young Artist Program coordinator, at MRoe@fgo.org, or by calling him at 305-403-3284.
