2026 Senior Vocal — Syllabus

Please read the section rules before entering. The time limit for each class is 5 minutes unless stated otherwise in the class description.

Time limit 7 minutes per aria. 
Competitors will only sing the FIRST of the two arias listed in the programme
in this preliminary round.

Competitors must also enter TWO other classes in the competition.
A single entry in either Class 263 (Linda Wootten Memorial) or
Class 264 (Seamus Casey Memorial) will satisfy this condition.

1st Prize $7000 sponsored by the Becroft Foundation.
2nd Prize $3000 sponsored by Auckland Opera Studio.
3rd Prize $1000 sponsored by North Shore Performing Arts Society.

Winner receives the Les Kitney Memorial Trophy and $150,
sponsored by Janice Webb QSM.
Second Prize $100 sponsored by Janice Webb QSM.
Third Prize $50 sponsored by TBC.

Performers will present two items.
Both singing and acting ability will be judged.
This class is open to both individuals and duets.

Two contrasting items in costume and character are to be presented.
Character portrayal, acting, singing and dancing (if appropriate)
for the solo or duet will be judged.

Competitors may choose the order of their items as long as the music
for the Adjudicator is clearly marked and the Stage Manager has been informed.
The second item will be performed by the entrants in the same order
as listed in the programme after the Interval.

Open to singers who have not won a first prize during the last three years
at this or any similar competition.
First place $75 sponsored by Opera Factory.

Prizes in the form of vouchers from SOUNZ.
1st $70, 2nd $40, 3rd $30.

2026 Criteria for Vocal
A. Performers will be 17 and under 25 years as at 1st of October 2026.
B. Performers will introduce their items and they must sing them in the
language in which they were composed.
C
C.1. Each performer will perform a programme of a maximum of 15 minutes
and no less than 12 minutes, including the introduction.
There will be a total mark given for the complete programme.
A penalty of 5 marks will be imposed if the minimum time limit is not met,
or the maximum time limit is exceeded by 60 seconds or more.
C.2. An accompanist is provided, but competitors may bring their own
at their own expense?.
D. Each performer will perform a programme consisting of:
D.1. 20th or 21st Century Art Song
D.2. Aria (Opera or Oratorio)
D.3. Own Selection
E. In the semi-final, those performers recalled will perform either
two or three items from their programme, at the Adjudicator?s discretion.
The number of semi-finalists is determined as per the NYPA rules 7.1-7.2.
Competitors will be chosen based on their marks in the Preliminary round.
F. Three Finalists will be recalled for the Final Award Concert and will
perform one item from their original programme, as directed by the Adjudicator.

Competitors entering this class ($20) must also enter and compete in
Classes 257, 258, and 259. 
Winner receives $200, 2nd place $100, 3rd place $50.

The Winner will receive $100. 2nd Prize $50. 3rd Prize $25.

Time limit 7 minutes. Any preceding recitative must be included.
The Winner will receive the Sir John Allum Challenge Cup.
The Winner will receive $100. 2nd Prize $50. 3rd Prize $25.

The Winner will receive $100.
2nd Prize $50. 3rd Prize $25.

A combination of Class 254 European Art Song (not English)
after 1840 (open), and Class 259 German Lied.

Winner will receive the Gwilym Evans Memorial Trophy and $125,
Second place $50, and Third place $25.

Open to female singers.
Winner receives $750, Second place $250, Third place $100 from the
Linda Wootten Estate.

Competitors will sing three items: an aria from opera, a German Lied, and
an item in English. These may be sung in any order, but total performance time
must not exceed 15 minutes. Due to time constraints, singers are requested to
NOT give spoken introductions to their works.

Open to male singers.
Winner receives $750, 2nd place $250 and 3rd place $100,
sponsored by Paul and Judith Casey.

Competitors will sing three items: an aria from opera,
a German Lied, and an item in English. These may be sung in any order,
but total performance time must not exceed 15 minutes.
Due to time constraints, singers are requested to NOT give
spoken introductions to their works.