The Masterwork Music and Art Foundation is offering a $10,000 prize to an emerging vocalist.
The competition is open to all ages, and not limited to any musical genre. Eleven music pros will judge the entries, which are due by March 2, 2020.
Finalists will be announced on April 15, for a May 3 performance at the new Madison Cultural Center prior to selection of a winner.
Emerging Artists are defined as “those, of any age, who have mastered the basic techniques of their art form and are in the early years of launching a professional career. Emerging artists have created and publicly presented a modest body of work and are ready for the next steps in their artistic development.”
Vocalists will be evaluated by their:
1.) Repertoire — diversity of style, depth and quality of repertoire, diversity of language (if applicable) and vocal range
2.) Vocal Production — consistency of sound throughout the range, vocal tone quality, phrasing and dynamics, consistency of pitch control and placement
3.) Interpretation — style consistent with the musical period, clarity of diction (including foreign languages), feeling and understanding of the text, body language and performance confidence
Contestants must submit a 15-minute video, an essay, a resume and two letters of recommendation. The application fee is $30.
Masterworks board member Wayne Walters, director emeritus of the Morris Choral Society, proposed the contest, which is being promoted by Morris Arts.
The Masterwork Music and Art Foundation was established in Morristown more than 50 years ago.
