Rules Information & Advice

The Mietta Song Recital Award

The Mietta Song Recital Award promotes the performance and wider appreciation of Art Song in all its diversity.

Information about the competition

The competition is in three stages:

• A recording submitted by the singer is auditioned anonymously by a preliminary judging panel.
• Up to eight selected semi-finalists present programs of not more than fifteen minutes each before an audience and the Judges.
• A maximum of four selected finalists present programs of between twenty and thirty minutes each before an audience and the Judges, who then make their decision.

The requirements for each stage are set out below. Semi-finalists are encouraged to participate in the Master Classes which are held in the week of the competition.

All songs submitted must have been composed for the voice and piano, or arranged for voice and piano by the composer. Operatic or concert arias or extended dramatic scenas are not acceptable. A song cycle may be included in the finals program submitted. All songs presented must be sung in the original language.

Rules

Age

No age limit applies.

Judging Criteria

The Judges will take into account the special characteristics of Song Recital as an artistic partnership between singer and pianist and will consider:

• Understanding of the genre
• Choice of material
• Musicianship
• Technical competence
• Rapport with the audience
• Versatility in program.

Accompanist

Entrants are encouraged to bring their own accompanist. An accompanist could be arranged for the semi-finals and finals if required.

Entry Fee

Applications must be accompanied by an entry fee of $40 (payable to Mietta Foundation) which is non-refundable except in the event of cancellation of the Award competition.

The Audition Recording

The audition recording must be on CD. It will be auditioned anonymously by a preliminary judging panel. It must:

• be no more than one year old
• be of the contestant singing three contrasting art songs sung in at least two languages (one of which may be English)
• include one song chosen from each of the following periods: 1750-1830; 1831-1940; 1941 to the present
• the case must be labelled with name, address and song titles; the tape or disc itself labelled with song titles only.
• Recording quality is critical.

Applications and recordings must be received by no later than 14 March 2006.

Key Dates

• Application forms with recordings must be received no later tha 14 March 2006
• Notification of semi-finalists will be in the week commencing 21 March 2006
• Master Classes will be held in the week commencing 1 May 2006
• Semi-finals and Finals will be held in Melbourne on 6 and 7 May 2006

Recording Notes

The Audition recording must be accompanied by a list of the songs recorded, together with English texts. The authors of translations must be identified.

Note: Recordings will only be returned at the conclusion of the competition if a suitable stamped self-addressed package is supplied.

Programs to be performed in the semi-finals and finals, giving the list of songs, their length and the key in which they will be sung, must be submitted at the time of entry.

Note: Songs presented on the audition recording may be repeated in either the semi-final or the final, but no song presented at the semi-final may be repeated in the final.

Semi-final programs:

Must not exceed 15 minutes total performance time. Songs must be included from each of the three periods listed and be in more than one language.

Final programs:

Must not exceed 30 minutes total performance time. A song cycle or excerpts from one may be included.

Other requirements

Brief written CVs of the singer and of the accompanist, including dates and details of any future engagements must be provided at the time of entry.

Program notes

Semi-finalists, once notified, must forward (within 7 days) English texts for the semi-final and final programs they have proposed. The authors of translations must be acknowledged. Texts are to be submitted in electronic form with two additional printed copies. If selected, Semi-finalists must immediately (within 7 days), forward separate photographs of moderate size of the singer and accompanist.

The Judges' decision is final.

No correspondence will be entered into. Judges may, at their discretion, withhold or vary any or all of the prizes without explanation. In the event a winner is unable or unwilling to fulfil their prize obligations, the Committee reserves the right to rescind and/or re-award any or all prizes. The Award reserves the right to rescind, modify or add to any of the rules and conditions of the competition and the Award committee's interpretation shall be final.

Some advice:

• Read this document carefully.
• To ensure that all entrants are Judged under the same conditions, no exemptions can be allowed.
• Present yourself at your best on your audition recording. The recording is auditioned anonymously. Recording quality is critical.
• Choose works suited to your voice type, which demonstrate your range, diversity and versatility as a performer.
• Present a varied program that supports the aim of the Mietta Song Recital Award.
• Research in detail the context of the works you choose so that you can perform them in an appropriate style.
• Pay attention to usage and correct pronunciation in all languages. A high standard is expected.
• Make sure you have sufficient repertoire to form the basis of recitals and concert programs of professional standard if you are a prize winner.

To Apply (14 March 2006):

• Enclose a signed and completed copy of the application form
• Enclose a cheque made out to the Mietta Foundation for $40; or
• Complete and enclose credit card details and sign.
• Include CD or audio cassette recording clearly identified as required.
• Include notes and information required.

Please send correspondence to:

The Committee
The Mietta Song Recital Award
Suite 64, 85 Grattan St
Carlton 3053

Email: miettasong@swiftdsl.com.au
Telephone: +61 (0)3 03 9686 3335