The Virginia Opera Herndon Foundation Emerging Artist Program provides training, performance opportunities and access to industry connections and resources to a group of Opera’s talented rising stars. As one of the most competitive training programs in the nation, the Herndon Foundation Emerging Artist Program has over 650 applicants annually for an average of 12-20 artist contracts. Our Emerging Artists appear in Virginia Opera mainstage productions, touring educational productions and perform in recitals, donor events and our Master Teacher Series. Recent alumni of the Herndon Foundation Emerging Artist Program (formerly known as Spectrum Artists) include: David Pershall, Brian Jagde, Julia Ebner and Nathan Stark.
Applications
To apply online, go to YAPtracker.com. Simply follow the instructions to fill out the application. You can attach all required documents to the online application, and pay the $40.00 non-refundable application fee with a credit card.
To apply via mail, please send a completed application form (available for download in either PDF or Word), a current résumé, an 8” x 10” headshot in color or black and white and $40.00 non-refundable application fee, cash, check or money order made payable to Virginia Opera in one complete package.
Applications must be RECEIVED by October 30, 2015 to be considered for a live audition. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered or returned. Please do not submit audio recordings or other materials not requested.
PLEASE BE AWARE: SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION DOES NOT GUARANTEE AN AUDITION.
Judges’ forms and comments are the sole property of Virginia Opera and will not be made available to applicants.
Audition Notification
Applicants must check our website www.vaopera.org/education-training after November 13, 2015 to find out if they have been granted a live audition. Names, along with dates and times will be listed in alphabetical order (by last name) to those granted auditions. The selected artists must confirm their audition with Alexandra Stacey, by email alexandra.stacey@vaopera.org or by phone (757) 213-4541 no later than November 27, 2015.
Auditions
Auditions for the 2016-2017 season will be held in New York City. Preliminary rounds will take place on December 7, 8 and 9, 2015; and the final round will take place on December 10, 2015. All Candidates must be available to sing on one of the preliminary dates AND on the date of the final round. Virginia Opera will provide an accompanist. Guest accompanists are not permitted. Candidates should prepare five (5) arias. Your repertoire should include a variety of languages and styles.
For more details, please visit the Virginia Opera Education & Training web page.
