Calling all aspiring oratorio soloists:

Widely regarded as Australia’s most prestigious singing award for oratorio singers, the 17th RMP Aria Competition will take place this year on Saturday 12 August 2023 at 5pm.

For the first time, the Final will be performed in Elisabeth Murdoch Hall, Melbourne Recital Centre.

NB: DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES IS 5pm TUESDAY 1st AUGUST 2023.

ENTRIES HAVE NOW CLOSED.

The RMP Aria Competition is open to all classical singers, amateur or professional
Eligible entrants must be:
i) under 35 years at 12 August, 2023
ii) an Australasian citizen or current resident.

Any previous or current member of the RMP choir, or a previously engaged soloist with the RMP is still permitted to enter the competition, provided they meet the two criteria above.

2. Repertoire for finalists
Contestants must perform repertoire strictly from oratorio, and no operatic repertoire or artsong / lieder et
will be permitted, irrespective of period. Any recitative, aria, or excerpt will be permitted from oratorio,
sacred cantata, mass, mass fragment, liturgical work or a musical composition (originally or generally not intended to be staged) whose text is generally religious, serious or philosophical in nature.

Any queries regarding permitted repertoire should be directed to the RMP Artistic Director,
Mr Andrew Wailes via email: musicdirector@rmp.org.au or SMS: 0433 661 971

TO ENTER, PLEASE DOWLOAD THE ENTRY FORM AND RULES HERE

Prizes:

First prize will be a cash award of $2500, plus a professional photographic portrait sitting and package (over $500 value), as well as a paid professional future engagement and recording with the Royal Melbourne Philharmonic and two private coaching sessions with the RMP Chief Conductor and accompanist.

Second prize will be a cash prize of $1000, with an optional offer of a paid professional future engagement with the RMP and two private coaching sessions with the RMP Chief Conductor and accompanist.

Third prize will be a cash prize of $750, with an optional offer of a paid professional future engagement with the RMP.

There will also be a Conductor’s Encouragement Award of $500, awarded by the RMP Artistic Director.

A special People’s Choice Award will take the form of a cash prize of $350. This will be judged by the audience.