BOSTON LYRIC OPERA OPERA’S FIRST ARIA CONTEST FOR TEENS

Thank you for to all who entered our 2009 Aria Contest!
See the entry videos Aria Contest finalists Ariel Galford, Alexandra Selawsky-Group, and David Tackeff submitted on YouTube, then come cheer them on when they perform live at BLO’s free Open House on Saturday, November 7 at the Citi Performing Arts CenterSM Shubert Theatre!
 
The performances will be judged by Esther Nelson, BLO’s General & Artistic Director; Elizabeth Seitz, a professor at the Boston Conservatory and BLO’s Principal Guest Lecturer; and Sharon Daniels, Director of Boston University’s Opera Institute. Joyce Kulhawik, acclaimed arts and entertainment critic, will MC the performances.
 
 “We were so excited by the quality of performances we received for this contest, but these three finalists stood out. I know it’s going to be a treat for audiences to see them perform in the final round at the Open House,” said Julie House, BLO’s Education and Community Programs Manager.
 
Hailing from Sharon, Milton, and Brookline, respectively, Ms. Galford, Ms. Selawsky-Group, and Mr. Tackeff will compete for a $1,000 first prize at the Open House. All three students saw the Aria Contest as a perfect opportunity to express their love for music and experience performing in a professional environment.
 
The finalists will perform at 3:30pm, but the Open House begins at 11am, so come by early to make the most of an exciting day!

What is the Aria Contest?

The Aria Contest was open to all middle and high school students ages 11-17. They were invited to submit a video to BLO of their performance of one of 14 preselected arias. The submission deadline was October 2. Participants did not have to be opera singers to enter-- all submissions were welcome including instrumental interpretations of an aria.

Remember to check back here at the end of October for the YouTube videos!

FAQs (.pdf)
Guidelines for entry (.pdf)
List of arias (.pdf)

QUESTIONS? Email Julie at education@blo.org.