The Heartland Sings 2024 Vocal Competition

Consider your spot in our vocal competition that encourages emerging vocal professionals in pursuing a career in the vocal arts.

General Information

This unique competition involves a preliminary round of auditions via digital submission starting in November of 2023 through January 20, 2024. Adjudication of applicants takes place in February of 2024, with an announcement of 12 semi-finalists made by February 20, 2024.  The cost to submit a submission is $25 processing fee.

Semi-finalists will come to Fort Wayne (housing and travel stipend provided) to compete on May 20, 2024. The final round will take place during Heartland Sings’ May 22nd production of “A Night at the Opera.”

Semi-finalists who do not advance to the final round will still perform in the concert production.  Judges will announce the winners at the conclusion of the May 22 concert. 

Prizes

  • First prize is $3000

  • Second prize is $2000

  • Third prize is $1000

  • Outstanding Indiana Artist Award is $1000

Eligibility

  • Open to young and emerging professional vocal artists ages 22-35 (Applicants must be 22 or older on or before October 1, 2023 and be 35 or younger on or before May 22, 2024 to enter).

  • Applicants will need to provide proof of age (driver’s license, passport, or birth certificate). 

  • Applicants from Indiana are automatically eligible for the Outstanding Indiana Artist Award, but must provide proof of Indiana Residency to qualify.

Ineligibility

  • Anyone employed by Heartland Sings, including full-time and part-time staff and artists.

  • Artists who are represented by an agent or agency.

  • Any artist who cannot arrive in Fort Wayne on or before May 19, 2024 in order to be present for the competition, rehearsals and performances scheduled May 20-22, and whose departure date cannot be on or after May 23, 2024.

Required Dates & Activities

  • Application accepted November 1, 2023 through January 20, 2024 

  • Application Requirements:

    • Repertoire list of 5 arias previously performed

    • Recent Headshot

    • Current Resume (one page)

    • Biography of 300 words of less

    • YouTube links to 2 (two) Opera Arias from different operas recorded within the last year.

  • Semi-finalists announced on or before February 20, 2024

  • Semi-finalists travel to Fort Wayne on or before May 19, 2024

  • Semi-final Round: May 20, 2024 (finalists are announced that evening)

  • Rehearsals for the Opera Concert: May 21-22, 2024

  • Opera Concert and finalists competition: May 22, 2024

  • Competitors who are selected for the semi-finals are required to prepare music for and participate in Heartland Sings’ “A Night at the Opera” production scheduled for May 22, 2024.  Music will be provided digitally to all semi-finalists by March 1, 2024.  Those selected to be finalists may elect to opt out of singing ensemble numbers prior to their featured appearance in the concert.

Compensation for semi-finalists:

  • Housing provided, plus $250 travel allowance and a $250 stipend for preparing and participating in Heartland Sings’ “A Night at the Opera” production on May 22, 2024.

  • Semi-finalists are featured in Heartland Sings publications via social media, website, print and more and may be featured in local, regional and national news.  By entering the competition, artists agree to be featured in all publicity.

Compensation for finalists:

  • Housing provided, plus $250 travel allowance and their award.

  • Finalists are featured in Heartland Sings publications via social media, website, print and more and may be featured in local, regional and national news coverage. By entering the competition, artists agree to be featured in all publicity.

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