Nuevas Canciones Competion Spring 2022
The Nuevas Canciones Competition is an exciting new collaboration between Opera Memphis and the University of Memphis. This competition is designed to encourage performers to explore the rich tapestry of Zarzuela and incorporate Spanish pieces into the repertoire. The Nuevas Canciones Competition is open to all University of Memphis students majoring in voice at the undergraduate or graduate level. This inaugural competition will be held on April 30, 2022 with a grand prize of $1,000 towards U of M tuition.
Application Deadline: March 20, 2022
Prize: $1000 Grand prize in scholarship towards UofM tuition fees
Eligibility
Guidelines and Requirements
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Applicants must submit video recordings of 2 contrasting pieces with piano or orchestral accompaniment. Submitted arias/songs DO NOT need to be the same pieces offered during the finals, but they can be. A cappella recordings will not be accepted. Recordings from live performances are acceptable.
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Applicants must submit a headshot.
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Applicants will be notified by April 15, 2022, if they have been chosen to participate in the finals.
FINALS
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Finals will be held April 30, 2022 in Memphis, TN at the Clark Opera Memphis Center (6745 Wolf River Parkway) at 6 PM.
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Repertoire includes:
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Upon notification of advancement, finalists must confirm their participation in the finals competition and their repertoire by April 20, 2022. Repertoire changes will not be accepted after April 20, 2022.
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Opera Memphis will provide a pianist for the finals round.
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Prize winners will be announced immediately following the competition.
ANNOUNCING OUR WINNER!
Congratulations to soprano Desiree Soto, a doctoral student at the Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music and the winner of the inaugural Neuvas Canciones Competition. Desiree was awarded $1000 in tuition assistance for her performance of Pablo Sorozábal's "Noche hermosa" from Katiuska and "Girl" from Heart on the Wall by Robert Owens.
Desiree Soto, soprano, is a doctoral student at the Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music under the tutelage of Dr. Randal Rushing. Hailing from Texas, Desiree earned her Bachelor of Music degree in vocal performance from Texas Tech University. As a stage director and singer, Desiree is passionate about communicating relevant and important messages through music. Some of her favorite roles include Susanna in The Marriage of Figaro (University of Memphis), Pamina in The Mini Magic Flute (Opera Memphis), Lay Sister in Suor Angelica (Opera Memphis), Miles in The Turn of the Screw (Texas Tech Opera Theatre), Gretel in Hansel und Gretel, and Carrie in Carousel (Moonlight Musicals). Desiree has received performance awards from several competitions including Memphis’ 2022 Beethoven Club's Savell Vocal Competition (First Place- Young Artists Division), University of Memphis’ 2021 Concerto Competition (Winner) and the 2020 Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions (Encouragement Award-Regional.) She would like to thank her family, friends, and fiancé for their never-ending support.