National Opera Association

Chamber Opera Composition

Competition Update

Congratulations to the 2010-12 winner, Confession, (Raphael Lucas, Composer; Jacque Trussel and Margaret Vignola, Librettists), which was selected from among the three finalists at the convention in San Antonio in January 2011.  The entire work will be performed at the next convention in Memphis, TN.

The next submission deadline will be May 1, 2012, for the next competition cycle (2012-2014).

Questions may be addressed to the competition chair, .

About the Competition

The NOA inaugurated its Chamber Opera Competition to encourage the composition and performance of short operas especially useful in opera workshops and other training venues. The competition runs in two-year cycles. In the first year, composers submit scores for preliminary judging. Three finalists are chosen and excerpts from those operas are presented at the annual convention for competition. The winning opera, chosen from among the three finalists, is produced in its entirety at the NOA convention the following year.

Past Winners

2010-2012: Confession, by Raphael Lucas (composer) and Jacques Trussel and Margaret Vignola (librettists), selected from the three finalists at the 2011 Convention, and performed in its entirety at the 2012 convention.

2008-2010: The Beautiful Bridegroom, by Dan Shore (music and libretto), selected from the three finalists at the 2009 Convention, and performed in its entirety at the 2010 convention.

Eligibility

• The Chamber Opera Competition is open to all composers, regardless of age or nationality.
• All submissions must be unpublished operas not accepted by a publisher for either publication or rental.
• Performance of a work (unless by a major opera company) does not disqualify it for submission.
• Language: English
• Length: No more than 60 minutes
• Orchestration: Maximum of 20 players

Submission Procedure

• All entries must include a complete piano-vocal score. Each score must have a title page that indicates the cast of characters with voice types, and the size and instrumentation of the orchestra. THE NAMES OF THE COMPOSER AND LIBRETTIST MUST NOT APPEAR ON THE TITLE PAGE.
• For works that have been fully or partially recorded or videotaped, submission of an audio- or videotape with the piano-vocal score is recommended. Orchestration must be indicated, but a full orchestral score should not be submitted.
• Judging is blind; therefore composers must remove all identifying labels and printed names from scores, recordings, and videotapes to assure anonymity.
• A completed application form (available as a Word document or PDF form) and payment of a $25 fee must accompany each submission. Each entry must include a separate envelope, with sufficient postage affixed, for return of materials. If a return envelope is not provided, scores will not be returned.
• A composer may submit more than one opera provided that each conforms to competition guidelines.

Selection Procedure

A distinguished panel of composers and opera directors will select the winning finalists. Scenes from three operas chosen as finalists will be presented in a showcase performance at the NOA annual convention in January of odd years. The opera chosen as the winner of the NOA Chamber Opera Competition will be performed in a full production at the convention in even years.

Competition Schedule

Scores for this cycle must be submitted by May 1, 2012. Adjudication will be completed in the early fall. Three finalists will be chosen and excerpts from those operas will be presented in January 2013 at the National Convention. The winning opera will be produced in its entirety in January, 2014.

Notification of finalists: August 15, 2012.