Auditions

Audition Requirements
Candidates should prepare and memorize three selections in three different languages, one of which must be in Italian. Two selections must be opera arias. The remaining selection may be an art song or an oratorio excerpt. Singers should be prepared to sight-sing a simple choral excerpt. An accompanist will be provided for the use of auditionees who do not provide their own.

The Sight-Singing Test
A test of sight-singing forms part of the audition for all prospective choristers. Satisfactory completion of the sight-singing audition will, for the most part, exempt the chorister from future sight-singing auditions. In some cases, a singer may be provisionally accepted into the chorus despite an unsatisfactory sight-singing audition.

How Your Audition Will Be Judged
Auditions are evaluated on the following criteria:

• a demonstrated level of musicianship with attention to correct pitch, rhythm, dynamics, phrasing, and interpretation
• solid vocal technique
• appropriate diction in the common operatic languages
• large enough sound to carry in the theater
• an appropriate choral sound according to the artistic standard set by the General Director
• the ability to blend the voice
• stage presence
• dramatic sensibility
• ability to carry out basic theatrical movement (ie. climbing stairs, kneeling, standing on a raked stage, light dance movements etc..).

International Wagner Competition

The Seattle Opera International Wagner Competition has been created to identify and recognize opera singers who demonstrate clear promise of an important career in the Wagner repertoire. Two unrestricted cash grants of $20,000 each, and two of $5,000 will be awarded to singers at the end of the Competition. A contract with Seattle Opera either for a role or as a cover is possible for any of the finalists. The Competition is open to professional singers world-wide who have had the training and performance experience appropriate for preparation to perform a Wagner role. Candidates should be between the ages of 25-39 and must meet the age requirements on the date of the Competition for that year.

Download Competition Guidelines (PDF)