2026 13th National Opera Competition

PARTNERS for the Arts, Inc. 2026 13th National Opera Competition

Competition Requirements – to be submitted to Acceptd

  • Applicant must be between 25 and 35 years old as of April 12, 2026.
  • Proof of age – copy of passport or driver’s license
  • Non-U.S. citizens must show proof of residency or proof of full-time enrollment in a university, college, or conservatory before being permitted to enter the competition.
  • Head shot
  • Past First and Second place PARTNERS competition winners are not eligible to apply.

Résumé

  • Education and degrees earned.
  • Teachers, coaches, and conductors you’ve worked with.
  • Performances, including dates and places. Apprentice programs attended and awards received.

 

Applicant WILL BE JUDGED ON VOCAL QUALITY, COMMUNICATION OF TEXT, AND ROLE INTERPRETATION.

 

ARIAS REQUIREMENTS

  • TWO Contrasting arias in TWO different languages must be submitted in video form, with the opera’s title, the arias’ title, and the composer’s name – no more than 10 minutes for both arias
  • TWO additional arias must be listed (no video) (specifically named on the application), which will be added to their list should the applicant reach the finals: opera’s title, the arias’ title, and the composer’s must be included.
  • ONE of the four arias must be in English. Arias should be performed in their original languages, and selections must not be edited; exceptions: accompaniment interludes and recitatives may be cut in the interest of time. Excessively long arias are not advised.
    Arias cannot be changed.

Special notes:

  • W9 forms are required for prize winners.

 

Video Recording

EACH VIDEO MUST INCLUDE YOUR NAME, THE ARIA’S TITLE, THE OPERA’S NAME, AND THE COMPOSER’S NAME.

  • Recording must be done within six months of the application deadline without acoustic enhancement or amplification.
  • Each aria should be filmed/uploaded and recorded in one “take”, with no extra effects added, g., AI-generated, video lip-synching.

 

  • A backing track of each aria should accompany all singing using those of your accompanist, a purchased recorded piano accompaniment, or a live pianist. Recordings of performances with orchestra are not accepted.
  • Using an external microphone will ensure higher audio quality.
  • Recommended: high-resolution videos made in a well-lit space.
  • Smartphones or laptop recordings are acceptable (horizontal orientation is best)
  • Treat your video as a live competition and test your recording before submission.

 

UNDERSTAND THAT FAILURE TO FULFILL ALL REQUIREMENTS AS REQUESTED WILL RESULT IN DISQUALIFICATION.