1. Applicants must be at least 20 and no more than 35 years of age as of February 1, of the contest year.
2. Applicants must be residents, students or working in Maryland, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Pennsylvania, Virginia, or West Virginia. Also eligible are full or part-time students attending;
1. Westminster Choir College, a division of the Westminster College of the Arts (Rider University)
2. Rutgers (The State University of New Jersey), at New Brunswick.
3. Applicants must be available for both the Preliminary Round and Final Round
4. Previous first-place winners of the Competition are not eligible to enter.

1. Contestants must prepare five (5) memorized operatic arias (no operetta) in the original languages and keys.
2. Contestants must demonstrate proficiency in at least three languages, one of which is English.
3. Arias must be in contrasting styles, different tempi, and range.
4. Contestants in the Finals must use the Annapolis Opera accompanist.
5. Maximum length of any aria is five (5) minutes.
6. Dress for the Finals Concert is formal: men - dark suit or tuxedo; women - long gown

1. Audition appointments are limited, and will be assigned on a first come, first served basis. Applicants received after the schedule is full will be wait listed. If you are not accommodated, fees will be refunded.
2. Applicants will be notified as soon as possible of a potential “wait list” placement or a confirmed “wait list” placement.
3. Within five (5) working days an email will be sent conforming an application was received . This is not a guarantee of placement.
4. Notification of Preliminary Audition appointments will be sent early in January, 2009.
5. Dates and places of the preliminary round and Finals Concert are shown below.
6. Preliminary round is closed to the public.
7. A panel of three adjudicators will hear the preliminary round competitors.
8. Contestants may bring an accompanist for the preliminary round only.
   However, an accompanist will be available.
9. At least eight (8) singers will be selected to compete in the Finals Concert.
10. The Finals Concert will be performed in front of an audience.
11. A second panel of three judges will adjudicate the Finals.
12. All finalists will receive a monetary prize, with the grand prize being at least $2,000.00
13. Audience ballot will determine one prize (Audience Choice Award worth $500.00).
14. Additionally, Annapolis Opera considers contestants for possible roles in upcoming productions.
15. Decisions of the judges, audience and Annapolis Opera officials are final.
16. Aria's longer than five minutes will interrupted by the judges.
17. Competition judges reserve the right to select the order of performance in the finals.

1. On-Line Submission (Preferred)
• Complete on-line application form, which includes up-loading;
• Resume detailing education, teachers, coaches, and conductors; performance experience; and honors. Microsoft Word or PDF Format.
• Recent photo (head Shot) - Prefer JPG file format approximately 3.7 MP - 1568 X 2360 (Resolution), 5.2" X 7.9" @300 dpi (dimensions).
• The on-line submission automatically closes at 2pm, December 1, 2008.
  Todays date is Wednesday, January 07, 2009  4:28:55 AM

             The Vocal Competition entry period is now Closed
2. Hardcopy Submission
• Completed application form clearly filled in.
• Resume detailing education, teachers, coaches, and conductors; performance experience; and honors. Separate hardcopy attached to the application form.
• Recent photo (head Shot) - 5" X 7" attached to the application form.
• All application and supplemental materials including payment must be received at the Annapolis Opera Offices by 2pm, December 1, 2008. (Annapolis Opera is not responsible for delivery delays.)
Print Application
3. $30.00 non-refundable fee
• PayPal, Visa / Master / Discover / American Express Card /PayPal account
• Check or money order payable to the Annapolis Opera Inc. at the address below. Payment must be received within 10 days of submitting the application or the close date, whichever is earlier. (Annapolis Opera is not responsible for delivery delays.)

Note: Faxes will not be accepted.

Problems or Questions should be submitted via email: Vocal Competition - Annapolis Opera or Phone: 410-268-2690.