Should you be required to miss a rehearsal or concert, all absences must be communicated via the below N/A Approval Form. This includes inability to attend rehearsals due to illness.

2022 OSA Season

Please complete the below form by Friday 3 December 2021 to indicate your intentions for the 2022 season. All scholars need to respond indicating their desire to be offered a place in the 2022 Season or to leave the program at the end of Block 3 - end of Feb, 2022.

It is the expectation that all participants complete a full season, which is the end of the Summer School, February 2022. When you accepted the OSA scholarship (being a place in the program), you made a commitment, meaning you have responsibilities to the program and, in the relevant cases, to Patrons. In the event circumstances change and you have to consider withdrawing from the program we would require a formal meeting to discuss. If withdrawing for medical reasons, in addition to a formal meeting, a medical certificate would be appreciated.

In the event that you withdraw from the program before the end of the season, you may be required to pay back some or all of the Scholarship that has been expended.

 

2022 OSA Season

BLOCK 1 FORMS

To accept your place in the 2022 OSA Season, please complete the following forms:

  • 2022 OSA Season Acceptance Form

  • N/A Rehearsal Approval Form

  • Repertoire List

    • NEW AND RETURNING SCHOLARS APPLICATION DEADLINES:

      • Letter of Offer and Acceptance email sent Wednesday 15 December 2021

      • Acceptance email and $200 deposit due Wednesday 22 Dec 2021

      • Acceptance documentation and balance due (NB: an invoice will be sent to you) Friday 28 January 2022

Scholar profiles: Please complete the below questionnaire to be included in social media profiles and posts.

In accepting a place in this program, and therefore a scholarship position, you are making this commitment accepting responsibilities to the program and, in some cases to Patrons. In the event circumstances change and you had to consider withdrawing from the program we would require a formal meeting to discuss and a medical certificate (if withdrawing for medical reasons). Should you wish to withdraw your involvement in the 2022 OSA Season, please complete the below form.

In the event that you withdraw from the program without approval before the end of the season, you may be required to pay back some or all of the $10,000 Scholarship.

2022 Season Information

The season commences on Tuesday 15 March 2022, finishing in March 2023. Further details will be provided at the end of January 2022.

2022 PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES

Private Coaching sessions with Tiffany Speight and Yvonne Kenny OA

All scholars will receive as part of their scholarship, two individual 50 minute vocal coaching sessions with Artistic Director, Tiffany Speight and Yvonne Kenny OA. These will occur over Block 1 and 2. Two pieces of repertoire required. Accompanist/recorded accompaniment will be provided.

Introductory Solos – Beginning of Block 1, 2022

Every scholar will sing an Aria or Art Song in front of the 2022 Scholar cohort and OSA Team creating the opportunity to hear the different voices and assist with planning for upcoming concerts. You will be notified of the order of the introductory solos prior to rehearsal.

Masterclass with Opera Director or Guest Artist (TBC)

This is a golden opportunity to observe an opera director or Guest Artist present an open forum masterclass with selected scholars.

Weekend Workshop – Date tbc

This workshop will occur at the end of Block 1 rehearsal period. It will include performance preparation sessions featuring solos, small ensembles and full operatic choruses, movement sessions and masterclasses from leading performers. It will conclude with a performance for the OSA Patrons and special guests.

OSA SUMMER SCHOOL, CASTLEMAINE VICTORIA: Date tbc

All Scholars travel to Castlemaine for a week long residential Opera Summer School. During the week each scholar will receive an individual vocal coaching session with 2 guest Artist/Vocal Coaches . They will also receive an individual or small ensemble coaching session with a Stage Director, Guest Choreographer and Guest Conductor (tbc). Two pieces of repertoire will need to be prepared and may include art song, oratorio or operatic aria. Throughout the week, Scholars will have the opportunity to perform at various concerts, observe coachings, participate in ensemble sessions, performance workshops, dance, acting sessions and well being exercise sessions. Additional known repertoire should also be brought to the Summer School. There is a significant performance outcome planned at the conclusion of the week.

OSA Aria Auditions – date tbc

This is a closed audition where scholars can opt in to be considered as a semi-finalist for the OSA Aria and Opera Scholar of the Year. Adjudicators include OSA Artistic Director and Founding Directors.

OSA Aria – date tbc

The OSA Aria concert is a high point in the Scholar Calendar. This concert generally features the whole cohort as well as 6-8 scholars who perform as semi-finalists for the Opera Scholar of the Year competition. Three are then selected to compete as finalists at a bigger performance outcome. 

OSA Aria Regional Performance – details tbc

Opera in the Market – details tbc

All scholars will perform at Opera in the Market with Opera Scholars Australia featuring as an ensemble for several items as well as a pre-concert appearance at the Operetta Lounge for Patrons and Sponsors. They will also form the main chorus. All scholars will be required to attend three preceding Sunday and some Saturday rehearsals in the month preceding Opera in the Market. More details to follow.

Opera in the Alps – it is yet to be determined if this event will be proceeding in 2023

If this event goes ahead, all OSA members will perform in the main chorus at Opera in the Alps and feature as an ensemble for several items. Scholars may also perform in an ensemble in the pre-concert dining event.

It is a requirement that Scholars participate in the full season which means the last performance commitment will be an event in March 2023. Details tbc.

OTHER OPPORTUNITIES

Corporate functions and recital programs during the year 

At times OSA is asked to put forward Scholars to perform at private performances throughout the year. Various Scholars are approached depending on what voice type has been requested, availability and other considerations. For some of these performances, scholars will receive a fee to cover expenses.

At the discretion of the OSA Directors selected scholars may also be chosen to sing solo items at Opera in the Market or Opera in the Alps.

FEE & SCHOLARSHIPS

The full scholarship for the Opera Scholars Australia program is $10,000 per year.

Every successful participant receives a funded place in the program to the value of $10,000. There is a registration fee required to be paid by you of $670.

Limited financial hardship bursaries – if you need support due to significant financial hardship please refer to the application form above. Set criteria will need to be met to establish eligibility.

PERFORMANCE PREPARATION SESSIONS

Performance Preparation Sessions are held on Tuesday nights and Opera in the Alps/Opera in the Market rehearsals are held on Sundays closer to the events. Additional Mentor sessions will also be scheduled through the season with industry professionals.

Areas covered in Performance Preparation Sessions:

  • Solo performance feedback

  • Repertoire learning

  • Ensemble learning

  • Stage choreography

  • Peer feedback

OPERA SCHOLAR OF THE YEAR

The winner of Opera Scholar of the Year will be awarded the Betty Amsden AO Scholarship, a cash prize of $5,000. The scholarship recipient will also perform his/her winning aria on another occasion, covid restrictions permitting.

How is the Opera Scholar of the Year chosen?

Up to eight semi-finalists are selected to perform and three finalists will then be nominated. The Directors will monitor the progress and performances of the finalists during the OSA season. They will then compete for Opera Scholar of the Year. The winner is chosen by an independent adjudicator. Consultation may occur with Artistic Director and consideration may be given to: vocal quality and potential, musicianship (style, phrasing, vocal technique, pitch and note accuracy etc), and the performance on the day or recording submitted (covid dependent).

COMMUNICATION

DROPBOX

This online platform will be used to transfer sheet music documents, calendar of events, event running sheets and descriptions and relevant forms throughout the 2022 season. These documents will not be distributed via email communication. You will be sent a dropbox link with your letter of offer email.

FACEBOOK

Most communication is administered through Facebook. Please advise us, should you not have a Facebook account or if during the season you deactivate your account so we are sure to keep you informed. You will be invited to join a private OSA Season 2022 Facebook group in March 2022.

LATE OR ABSENCE FROM REHEARSALS

Should you be late or absent from a rehearsal please complete the online N/A form accessible through the above form which will be sent to you at the start of the season.

NB. Should a scholar be unable to fulfil attendance and punctuality requirements their position may be re-evaluated by the Artistic Director in consultation with the OSA Team.

PROFESSIONAL HEADSHOT AND PHOTOGRAPHS FOR YOUR PORTFOLIO

OSA will arrange for our photographer to take your photo and provide you with a professional headshot, that will be used throughout the OSA season at various performances and can also be used for your own purposes. 

SCHOLAR COMMITTEE

The Scholar Committee is an opportunity for a representative group of Scholars to meet with the Directors to discuss the program, give ideas and scholar feedback. It will consist of up to 6 members, including the Scholar of the Year and a mix of seasoned and new Scholars. The committee meets approx. every eight weeks.
NB. All Scholars will be given the opportunity to apply to be selected to be on the Committee.