The American Prize in Conducting —Opera Division, 2012

DOWNLOAD APPLICATION HERE (PDF)
POSTMARK DEADLINE for application(s): Thursday, March 15, 2012.


OVERVIEW:
The American Prize in Conducting—Opera Division is offered in as many as three categories, based on the type of opera ensemble you conduct, and on the number and quality of entries. You may make separate applications in as many categories as you are eligible, and may apply additionally for the ensemble, should you desire (see Opera Performance Prizes).

The three categories are:
    1. professional opera company (all musicians are paid—volunteer chorus ok)
    2. community opera company (some musicians may be paid/some may be students)
    3. college/university opera company (mostly students/no paid musicians—except soloists/faculty participation ok)

The competition is designed to recognize and reward conductors of staged opera, not opera-in-concert. (Conductors wishing to apply with performances of opera-in-concert should submit them in the Conducting—Orchestra Division in March 2012.)


APPLICATION:
There is a single application form for The American Prize in Conducting—Opera Division. Select the category which best identifies your ensemble.
   1. Send the completed application form by the deadline date.
   2. Include two identical recordings of you conducting your ensemble, with the conductor, ensemble and selections clearly indicated.
   3. Be sure to sign the form and include the application fee.
   4. Be sure to also email the required information.

The application fee is $35 per conductor per ensemble. Make checks payable to HCMT/The American Prize. Application fees are nonrefundable. No incomplete applications will be accepted.

REQUIREMENTS for the RECORDING:

The American Prize in Conducting—Opera Division: not less than thirty minutes of staged, conducted opera or operetta, which must include at minimum one complete act of a standard work, performed either in the original language or in translation, with the original accompaniment, whether it be orchestra (or reduced orchestra), chamber ensemble or piano. In the opera division, the judges prefer recordings that show a mixture of stage action and a view of the conductor, (or the complete act from one vantage point and then the same act from the other.) When that is not possible, the audience view is preferable, especially if the conductor can be seen from that perspective, or at least is visible during overtures, intermezzi or entr'actes. Some rehearsal footage is helpful but not required. Performers and works must be clearly identified on the disc, cover or video box. There are no other restrictions. We accept DVD or VHS recordings only. No audio tapes or other electronic media. No materials will be returned.