What repertoire do I need to prepare for the auditions?

First Round Audition

The following will be required:

• Video recordings of two pieces, both of which should be opera (not song or oratorio). Ideally, two languages should be represented, and we advise you to choose contrasting pieces, to best demonstrate your vocal, musical and dramatic skills.
  • • Each recording must consist of a single take without editing, and your pianist must be in shot. You are allowed to use multiple camera angles if you wish, providing all the footage comes from the same take. Videos of you singing in opera productions will not be accepted. All videos must have been recorded within the last six months. 
    • These videos must be uploaded to YouTube. Please label the videos with the following format: Aria_Composer. Please do not include your name as part of the video title. On your YAP Tracker application, you will be asked to provide links to these videos.

 

Second Round Audition

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to audition live at the Studio, in front of a panel made up of the NOS Artistic Team and representatives from each of our six partner opera companies.

The following will be required: 

• Four pieces, all of which should be opera (not song or oratorio). At least two languages should be represented, and at least one piece should be in English. Additionally, at least one selection should be from a contemporary opera (post-1980).
  • • You may, if you wish, include the same arias that you submitted for your First Round audition.
    • You can expect to sing two of these pieces during your audition. You will be invited to choose the first piece that you sing, and the panel will choose what they would like to hear afterwards.

NOS will provide a highly qualified and experienced accompanist for the Second Round live audition process. You will not be able to bring your own pianist for your live audition, or for any warm-up or practice time. This is for the sake of consistency and to ensure that all applicants can be assessed equally and without prejudice.