The George Shirley Vocal Competition: African American Art Song & Operatic Aria (GSVC) provides a platform for tomorrow’s musicians to honor the past while creating new relevance in the 21st century. African American music is an outgrowth of a rich oral tradition from the shores of Africa. When the music was melded with Western European compositional techniques, a unique body of work and musical expression was born. The repertoire was crafted by individuals who had a deep passion for expressing the world as they experienced it. The resulting repertoire is unique in its authenticity and passion, making it an important, living part of American history. It is an art form that deserves to be shared and preserved for future generations.
May 16, 2016
Detroit Opera House | Finals concert 7pm
The George Shirley Vocal Competition: African American Art Song & Operatic Aria is open to singers of all races and ethnicities, ages 14-22. Vocalists compete in two categories: High School (Ages 14-17) and College (Ages 18-22).
High School students are asked to prepare repertoire in the following categories:
- Spiritual (1)
- African American Art Song (2)
College students are asked to prepare repertoire in the following categories:
- Spiritual (1)
- African American Art Song (1)
- African American Art Song by a woman composer (1)
- African American Art Song OR Operatic Aria (1)
The competition occurs over one day in two rounds. All entrants are invited to participate in the first round. The finalists from the first round will move on to the finals concert the same evening.
Both rounds are judged by a panel of esteemed vocalists, musicians, and historians.
PRIZES
More than $12,000 in prizes will be awarded during the 2016 competition. A first-fifth place winner will be chosen from both the High School and College pools and each will be awarded a scholarship, ranging in value from $250 to $2,500.
SPECIAL PRIZES
In addition to the main prizes, contestants will have the opportunity to be chosen as a recipient of additional scholarships. Each scholarship focuses on a special area of interest within the African American Art Song or Operatic Aria repertoire. The special prizes for 2016 are:
- Willis Patterson Art Song Prize
- Robert Sims Spiritual Prize
- Charsie Sawyer Women Composer Prize
SPONSORS & DONORS
The 2016 competition is supported by a wonderful group of organizations and individuals. Their support makes the competition possible.
- Videmus
- Smith Jackson Arts
- Michigan Theater – Detroit Opera House
- Willis Patterson
- Robert Sims
- Charsie Sawyer
Support this year’s competition by making a donation.