Vocal Competition

The '10 Competition
Information regarding applications for the Competition will be available here in late 2009. Applications are typically due in February. All applicants who meet the requirements compete before a panel of judges in the first round. The winners then move on to a second and final round concert, which is open to the public. Information regarding applications is usually available through each of our participating universities' music department.

The 2009 Collegiate Vocal Competition

About the Competition
The Opera Grand Rapids Collegiate Vocal Competition provides an opportunity for the finest student vocalists being trained full-time at Greater Grand Rapids area colleges and universities to compete in a professional competition and to be recognized for excellence by a professional opera company.

The Teatro Colón Exchange Program
In conjunction with the Opera Grand Rapids Collegiate Vocal Competition, the Company and participating colleges and universities have joined resources to provide an opportunity for a student competition participant to attend and study at the renowned Instituto Superior de Arte del Teatro Colón, the school for the training of promising opera artists established over 80 years ago at the Teatro Colón in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Congratulations to the 2009 Winners!

1st Place: Jennifer Jones, Calvin College

2nd Place: Adeline Heck, GVSU

3rd Place: Lindsay Olszewski, GVSU

Teatro Colon Artist Exchange Winner: Christine Amon, GVSU

About The Judges
One unique feature of the Opera Grand Rapids Vocal Competition is the quality of feedback students receive from our talented panel of judges.

2009 Judges
John Varineau
Associate Conductor of The Grand Rapids Symphony, Grand Rapids Youth Symphony Conductor

Dr. Rachael Gates Bergan
Visiting Assistant Professor at Michigan State University

Dr. Johannes Müller-Stosch
Conductor of the Holland Symphony Orchestra, Assistant Professor of Conducting and Director of Orchestral Studies at Cole Conservatory of Music at California State University, Long Beach

Richard Fracker
Associate Professor of Voice and Area Chair of Vocal Arts at Michigan State University

William Bokhout
Voice Instructor at Grand Rapids Community College, Grand Valley State University and Calvin College

Dr. Keith Brautigam
Professor of Voice at Calvin College

Kevin J. Dobreff
Chair, Department of Performing Arts at Grand Rapids Community College

Linda Dykstra
Associate Professor of Voice and Chair of the Voice Division at Hope College

Dr. Kathryn Stieler
Assistant Professor of Voice at Grand Valley State University

Julie Weston
Assistant Professor of Music and Director of Vocal Studies at Cornerstone University

Barbara Witham McCargar
Music Department Chair at Aquinas College

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Last Update: 4/3/09 2:25 AM