Artistic Director Lucine Amara invites vocalists of all ages around the world to apply now to the New Jersey Association of Verismo Opera 26th Annual International Vocal Competition. The application deadline is October 31, 2014.

The New Jersey Association of Verismo Opera (Verismo Opera), the house opera company of the Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) in Englewood, New Jersey, celebrated its 25th anniversary throughout 2014. The nonprofit opera company is recognized for providing opportunities for artists to learn and perform in a professional environment with a full orchestra.

Last year's second prize winner, baritone Young Joo An from New York City, will perform the role of Marcello in Verismo Opera's new production of La Bohème on October 19, 2014 at 3:00 p.m. at bergenPAC. In April, 2013 Verismo Opera Vocal Competition finalist Jonathan Scott performed as Giorgio Germont in the company's production of La Traviata and will appear as Marcello in La Bohème on October 26, 2014 at 3:00 p.m.

The preliminary rounds will be held on November 6, 10, 11, 17, 24, and 25, and are subject to change. Auditions will begin at 5 p.m. and must be scheduled in advance. The preliminary auditions will be held at the Bergen Performing Arts Center's Drapkin Cabaret & Lounge, located at 30 North Van Brunt Street in Englewood, New Jersey. Finals will take place in early 2015.

All applicants are required to send a resume, bio, a MP3 file or a CD containing at least three arias, an 8 x 10 black and white photo, and the application fee. An application form may be downloaded at http://verismopera.org/causes/competitions-2/.

Applicants will be notified if they are accepted into the competition.

The application fee is $75. Payment may be made securely online at http://verismopera.org/donate-2/ or by check made out and sent to Verismo Opera, P.O. Box 3024, Fort Lee, NJ 07024-9024. The application deadline is October 31, 2014.
A professional accompanist will be provided to all participants at preliminary and final auditions. Finalists will receive feedback; extensive free coaching on language, style and presentation; and be given the opportunity to perform in Verismo Opera's fully staged upcoming productions. Winners will receive cash awards totaling $3,500 ($2,000 first prize, $1,000 second prize and $500 third prize). For further information or to schedule an audition appointment, contact [email protected] or call (201) 886-0561.

About New Jersey Association of Verismo Opera

For 25 years, the New Jersey Association of Verismo Opera (Verismo Opera) has been an integral part of the region's classical music culture. Led by Metropolitan Opera luminary Lucine Amara, Verismo Opera delivers a rich, grand opera experience for performers and viewers. The organization provides performing opportunities for young musicians and artists through its semi-annual productions at the Bergen Performing Arts Center and concerts held in community settings. Community members are invited to get involved as supernumeraries and volunteers.

An annual international vocal competition is conducted in November with finals generally drawing artists throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe. Verismo Opera also organizes opera workshops, master classes and concerts and offers affordable, highly professional productions.

For more information about the nonprofit, tax-exempt organization, visit Verismo Opera's web site, www.verismopera.org; follow the company on Facebook, http://bit.ly/9JXTP8, or Twitter @NJVerismoOpera; or call (201) 886-0561.