Gustavus Symphony Orchestra2020-2021 Concerto/Aria Competition for GAC students

Time and Place

Concerto/Aria Competition will be held on Monday February 14th 2022 at 7:00 PM in Björling Recital Hall. The competition will NOT be open to the public.

Eligibility

The competition is open to all Gustavus Adolphus College students currently enrolled in applied lessons. Students must consult with their applied teachers and must have the permission of their applied teachers to enter in the competition. Winners of the 2020-2021 Concerto/Aria Competition will not be eligible this year, but will be for the following year. Students should complete the online application form by 5PM on Wednesday February 9^th, 2022.

Repertoire

Students should select a concerto or aria written for solo instruments or voice(s) with orchestral accompaniment, approved by their applied teacher. Competition and performance time is limited to 15 minutes. Students may choose to perform either the entire work or selected movement(s) for the competition. Senior students who are also auditioning for the Senior Honor’s Recital must chose a different selection for the concerto/aria competition. Longer works may be considered on an individual basis. There is no memorization requirement though individual applied teachers may require memorization at their own discretion. Please note that a winner may be ask to perform a different piece based upon factors such as availability of the performing materials and the level of difficulty. Soloists are responsible for bringing three copies of the condensed piano score to the competition for the judges. (photocopies are acceptable) Judges may choose to hear all or any part of the piece.

Accompanist

Soloists are required to have appropriate accompaniment for the competition. For students in need of an accompanist, the college will provide a professional accompanist who will play one brief rehearsal and the competition. Please contact Dr. Esther Wang (ewang2@gustavus.edu, X-7361) for more details. Otherwise, students can arrange for student accompanists.

Adjudication

Two judges will be selected on the basis of musical credentials as well as the potential to render an unbiased decision. The judges may designate as many as 3 winners. Comment sheets for all soloists will be made available after the competition upon request.

Performance

The winner(s) of the Concerto/Aria competition will either record or perform in a concert with the Gustavus Symphony Orchestra as part of the GSO Spring Concert. Soloist(s) must be available for rehearsals with the orchestra on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:00-8:00PM in the spring semester. Soloist(s) are also expected to continue enrollment in applied lessons in the spring semester and work closely with their applied teacher in preparation for their performance.