2025 Art Song Competition

2025 Art Song competition

The Cecily Ricketts Arts Foundation, in collaboration with I Colori dell'opera presents the 2025 Art Song Competition. This competition is open to high school juniors and seniors of BIPOC (diverse ethnic) descent. Winners will receive cash prizes and performance opportunities!

Application Fee: $25

Students will be asked to present two art songs. One piece must be by a BIPOC composer of their choice. The other piece may be by any composer of the student’s choice. Spirituals are permitted. The competition will consist of two rounds: a preliminary round via YouTube video submission and a final round held live in person. Selected finalists will be notified no later than February 15, 2025.

The two pieces presented in the preliminary round must also be presented in the final live in person round. A live accompanist is required for the preliminary audition. An accompanist will be provided for the final round; singers are not permitted to bring their own.

1st place - $2000

2nd place - $1000

3rd place - $500

Encouragement Award - $250

Finalists will also be given performance and opportunities through our partner I Colori dell'opera

Follow us on Instagram for updates you don’t want to miss! More details coming soon!

We’ve compiled a list of BIPOC composers whose works may not be as widely recognized. This list is meant to be a helpful resource for students and/or their teachers as they explore options to present for the competition. Students are not required to select composers from this list.

Florence Price

Joaquín Rodrigo

Fernando Obradors

William Grant Still

Manuel de Falla

Undine Smith Moore

Moses Hogan

H.T. Burleigh

Roland Hayes

Competition Instructions, Rules, and Guidelines

Vocal Competition Preliminary Round

Video Submission: Each student should perform two art songs that meet the requirements as listed. This should be submitted via a single (one) YouTube link. If a student is unable to edit both pieces into one video link and requires two separate links, please reach out to the arts foundation for special consideration.

At the beginning of the first song, the student must announce:
- Their full name
- Their grade in high school
- The title of the piece
- The composer’s name

For the second piece, the performer should only announce the title of the piece and composer only.

Accompaniment: A live accompanist is strongly preferred for the performance. Alternatively, a pre-recorded accompaniment track may be used. If a track is used, it must be clear and of high quality.
Recording Authenticity: All video and audio submissions must be unedited. No synthetic software or digital manipulation may be used to enhance or alter the sound. Any form of enhancement, including pitch correction or added effects, is prohibited and will result in disqualification.

Suggestions:

Acoustic Considerations: Performers should be mindful of the acoustics of their recording environment to ensure the best sound quality. Background noise, reverb, and distortion should be minimized as much as possible.
Video Duration: The video submission must be no longer than 10 minutes in total length. This includes any pre-performance intro or accompaniment.

Please submit your headshot along with copies of your sheet music (in the key you are singing).

By submitting a video for the preliminary round, you agree to adhere to all of the above rules. Non-compliance may result in disqualification or disqualification from further rounds.