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How to Apply

The next competition will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, 18 October 2025 at the First Unitarian Congregation of Ottawa, 30 Cleary Avenue, Ottawa, ON K2A 4A1.

Prizes are:

1st prize: $10,000

2nd prize: $5,000

3rd prize: $3,000

Other finalists will receive $1,000

2025 National Capital Opera Competition

Application Requirements

Competition Overview

A first-round jury will choose up to six finalists from the information provided by the applicants.  The final round of the competition is a public recital where each finalist will perform three opera arias with piano, in front of a jury.

Requirements

Applicants must be Canadian and have studied voice. The maximum age is 32 years on the day of the competition.

Application

The application must contain the following:

  1. A completed and signed application form
  2. Your resume, including any opera experience and a list of teachers with whom you have studied in the last five years
  3. One or two letters of recommendation emailed directly to president@ncos.ca
  4. A statement of aspirations and goals (200 words or less) which should include a statement on how the prize money will be used (E.g. voice lessons, music purchase or travel expenses)
  5. Unedited video recording(s) of three operatic selections with piano, in three different languages recorded within 12 months of the date of application. The arias must be sung in their original language.
  6. A list of the recorded selections (aria, opera, composer)
  7. A non-refundable administration fee of $75 (e-transfer preferred).
  8. A headshot photograph (minimum resolution 300 dpi, format JPEG)
  9. A 50-word bio for use in the program if selected as a finalist.
  10. Proof of Date of Birth and Citizenship E.g., copy of Birth Certificate,Certificate of Citizenship, or Passport

    Application Deadline

    The application package for the 2025 competition must have been received by 6:00 p.m. on Monday, 30 June 2025.

    Competition Format

    The first-round jury will be made up of three professional singers⁠/​musicians⁠/​educators who will review all submissions and select up to six finalists. Notifications will be sent to all applicants. The finalists will be invited to perform at the public recital with their own pianists. Each finalist will perform three operatic arias in three different languages. These selections must be different from those used in the first round. The total length of the three arias should be no longer than 20 minutes. The winners will be selected by a panel of three jurors, again professional singers⁠/​musicians⁠/​educators, who will listen to the finalists, adjudicate and announce their decision at the conclusion of the competition.

    Information

    For more information, contact Mark Robinson, President, National Capital Opera Society
    Tel: 613-852-3524
    Email: President@NCOS.ca.

    Conditions and Disclaimer

    The following conditions apply to this competition:

    1. All recordings and applications submitted become the property of the National Capital Opera Society (NCOS).
    2. The decisions of the jurors are final.
    3. The NCOS is not responsible for any loss, damage or injury of any kind whatsoever arising out of the applicant’s participation in the competition.
    4. The applicant hereby waives all claims of any nature whatsoever against the NCOS arising out of the applicant’s participation in the competition.
    5. The NCOS may, at its sole discretion, cancel or postpone the final competition, with notice to the applicants.
    6. If, in the opinion of its advisory panels, the entries submitted are not of a suitable standard, the NCOS may, at its sole discretion, decide not to make an award.
    7. The decision of the NCOS is final with respect to the question of whether an applicant meets the application requirements.
    8. The applicants consent to their name, image and likeness being listed on the NCOS website or for use for NCOC promotional purposes.

    The Application Form

    The Application Form is a PDF.  Please remember to sign the form before submission.