The American Prize in Opera Performance, 2010

The American Prize in Opera Performance recognizes and rewards the best performances of opera and operetta by opera companies, ensembles and schools in America in 2010, based on submitted applications. (Vocalists interested in The American Prize should apply in the Vocal Performance competition.)

Winning opera companies receive cash prizes, award certificates and written evaluations. Finalists receive certificates and written evaluations. Semi-finalists receive certificates. Finalists and winners are announced to local and national arts media and on our website, where winners are also profiled.

DOWNLOAD APPLICATION HERE (PDF)
POSTMARK DEADLINE for application(s): November 30, 2010.

OVERVIEW:
The American Prize in Opera Performance is offered in three categories, based on the membership in the ensemble. Applications on behalf of opera companies may be made by the conductor or artistic director of the ensemble, its board members or other leaders, such as faculty or administrators, and by the musicians themselves. Only one application per ensemble per year may be submitted. Conductors may apply separately for conducting awards (see Conducting Prizes).

In Opera/Operetta division, the 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 contest is designed to evaluate staged performances of opera or operetta in which a video recording has been made. Performances of works of musical theater should be submitted in Musical Theater Performance category.

Opera productions will be judged on broad criteria. In addition to the quality of musical performance in solo vocal, ensemble, choral and instrumental areas, weight will be given to staging, direction, acting, set design and execution, costuming, and overall impact of the performance.

APPLICATION:
There is a single application form for The American Prize in Opera Performance. On it, select the category which best identifies the applicant.
    1. Send the completed application form by the deadline date.
    2. Include two identical recordings of the opera company in performance, with the conductor, ensemble and work 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 $65 per organization. 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 Opera Performance: 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. Neither the size, make-up, location or repertoire of any qualified organization limits its eligibility. Excellence within categories is the primary criteria for the selection of finalists and winners. 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. The judging panel will evaluate from the beginning of the recording. No materials will be returned.

TIMELINE for this competition:

1. Deadline for postmark of applications: November 30, 2010. The application will be acknowledged by email upon receipt.
2. Announcement of semi-finalists: week of February 6, 2011
3. Announcement of finalists: week of March 13, 2011
4. Announcement of winners begins: week of April 17, 2011