Ottawa Choral Society - OLD New Discoveries Auditions

The Ottawa Choral Society Presents New Discoveries:

A World Class Platform for Emerging Vocal Artists

The Ottawa Choral Society’s New Discoveries Auditions are held in alternating years to provide emerging vocal artists with a professional platform, broad audience exposure, and career development opportunities. The Choral Society is proud to have encouraged many of Canada’s most accomplished concert artists to find success with audiences across the country through this initiative. Many of our past laureates are now appearing on opera and concert stages across North America and Europe.

Some of our Past Laureates:

Wallis Giunta, Mezzo-soprano 2010

Isaiah Bell, Tenor 2012

Shannon Mercer, Soprano 2002

Charles Sy, Tenor 2014

Full List of Past Laureates

2018 Auditions

OTTAWA

Monday, May 21, 2018: 13:30-16:30
Venue: Tabaret Hall, University of Ottawa Campus

MONTREAL

Tuesday, May 22, 2018: 10:00–17:30 pm
Venue: The Church of St. Andrew and St. Paul, 3415 Redpath Street

TORONTO

Thursday, May 24, 2018: 10:30–18:00
Venue: Jackman Studio, 227 Front Street East

Awards and Benefits

Three cash prizes of $1,900, $1,300, and $800 respectively, will be awarded. At the Jury’s discretion, up to five Distinguished Mentions may be recognized.

NEW THIS YEAR - Encouragement Award
An award for “Best Performance by a candidate currently living and studying in the Ottawa-Gatineau Region”. The winning candidate will be invited to participate in the Winners’ Showcase Recital and may be engaged for occasional ensemble opportunities. The recipient of this award is also eligible to be selected as a prize winner.

Winners will be guaranteed a professional engagement with the OCS in a subsequent season.
Winners will be presented at a Laureates’ Showcase Recital. Local arts presenters and management agencies are invited.
The Ottawa Choral Society promotes laureates to Canadian performing arts organizations.
The OCS may invite music directors and agency representatives to audit the auditions. These invitees will not be members of the jury.

Jury

ROBERT COOPER CM
Artistic Director:
Chorus Niagara
Orpheus Choir of Toronto
Opera in Concert Chorus
Ontario Male Chorus

JOEL IVANY
Opera and Stage Director
Artistic Director, Against the Grain Theatre

NATHALIE PAULIN
Celebrated Soprano
Professor, Vocal Department, University of Toronto

DR. JEAN-SÉBASTIEN VALLÉE
Artistic Director, Ottawa Choral Society
Director of Choral Studies, McGill University Schulich School of Music
Conductor, Church of St. Andrew and St. Paul, Montreal

HOW TO APPLY:

Carefully review the eligibility and requirements.
Fill out the application form online (preferred) or hard copy.
Submit your registration fee.

ELIGIBILITY AND REQUIREMENTS

Option 1. New Discoveries Online Application and Fee Payment

online application now closed.

Option 2. Hard Copy Application Form (PDF)

Application Form