The Nico Castel International Master Singer Competition

Just announced: Clay Aiken will be a judge for the 2012 Competition!  

Finalists announced

The 2012 Nico Castel International Master Singer Competition finalists have been announced.

2012 Master Singer Finalist Concert

Join us for the Finalist Concert on Saturday, February 18, 2012, at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall. 

Read about the 2011 competition

Soloist Lynn Eustis at Carnegie Hall, DCINY Production, Photography by Stefan Cohen

ABOUT THE COMPETITION: Presented by Distinguished Concerts International New York (DCINY) and the New York Opera Studio (NYOS), the Nico Castel International Master Singer Competition rewards and acknowledges excellent vocal technique and artistry in opera and oratorio.

Eight finalists, four female and four male, selected from the first round of auditions will be invited to perform live in the Master Singer Finalist Concert in Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall in New York City on Saturday, February 18, 2012. After the concert one female and one male winner will be named 2012 Nico Castel International Master Singer!

ELIGIBILITY: The competition is open to singers at least 21 years old and has no upper age limit.

PRIZES: Each 2012 Nico Castel International Master Singer will be awarded:

• $1000
  
• a soloist role on the DCINY Concert Season in a major choral master work performed with orchestra. DCINY produces high quality concerts in major, world-class venues such as Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Disney Hall and others.
  
  

FEE & DEADLINE: There is a $50 application fee. Applications and fees must be received by Wednesday, November 30, 2011, to be eligible. *All fees are non-refundable.*

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:

• completed application form
• $50 application fee
• resume/curriculum vitae
• copy of passport or U.S. driver's license
• short bio
• recent photo (although photo may be in black and white for the initial application, Master Singer finalists will be required to submit COLOR, high-resolution headshots for publicity purposes)


canzone duo at Carnegie Hall, DCINY Production, Joanne Bouknight Photography

• recordings of two (2) oratorio pieces in varying styles and languages and two (2) opera arias in varying styles and languages. Pieces submitted should be appropriate for your voice type. Although video clips are preferable, up to three (3) MP3s are acceptable. However, AT LEAST ONE selection must be a video clip.
  

JUDGES: The Jury for the initial elimination and choice of finalists will include: Nico Castel, Artistic Director and Carol Castel, General Manager of New York Opera Studio; and Iris Derke, General Director and Jonathan Griffith, Artistic Director and Principal Conductor of Distinguished Concerts International New York.

The Jury for the Master Singer Finalist Concert in New York will include Nico Castel; Jonathan Griffith; Sharon Sweet, dramatic soprano with the MET; Tim Seelig, American composer and conductor and Musical Director of the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus, and Clay Aiken, recording artist.

Meet the Judges

The decisions of the juries will be irrevocable and final.

Finalists and Winners will be responsible for all of their own travel, accommodation and personal expenses. A pianist will be provided at the live auditions, however contestants may bring their own pianist if they prefer.

The Competition reserves the right to choose fewer than eight finalists, should the high standard set by the judges not be represented.

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