Provincial Voice Competition - Winner performs at CFMTA Nationals

Congratulations to the winners of the 2023 Provincial Voice Competition!

1st Place - Zoe McCormick

Zoe McCormick is an undergraduate student at Burman University, pursuing majors in voice and violin performance under Dr. Wendolin Munroe and Dr. Eduardo Sola, respectively. She is a frequent participant in local and provincial festivals and recently attended the Canada West Performing Arts Festival, where she was awarded third prize. In 2021, McCormick was the only undergraduate student to participate in the Tafelmusik Baroque Summer Institute’s vocal program, where she worked with baritone Peter Harvey. In addition to her vocal pursuits, McCormick serves as concertmaster of the BU symphony orchestra and enjoys working with students as a music theory teaching assistant and in her private studio. She loves opportunities to collaborate with other musicians and, in particular, has the pleasure of frequently performing alongside pianist and fiancé, Matthew Peavoy.

2nd Place - Akshaya Lakshmi

Akshaya Lakshmi is a Indo-Canadian soprano from Fort McMurray, Alberta. Studying under various instructors, she currently studies at the Parr Academy of Vocal Arts. Growing up in Fort McMurray, Akshaya's spark for music started in elementary school. From playing instruments to singing in choirs, the arts are essential in her life. While completing her Bachelor of Medical Sciences at Western University, she pursued her passion for classical voice finishing the Elective Music program in Voice Performance. Today, Akshaya is the Communications Supervisor for Arts Council Wood Buffalo. She is also actively involved in the community theatre scene and has been a part of various productions such as Ghost Quartet, Mary Poppins and Evil Dead the Musical.

Competition Details

A classical voice competition for advanced students of ARMTA members. The winner of this Provincial Competition must be prepared to represent the province of Alberta in the CFMTA National Voice Competition July 5-8, 2023 in Edmonton as part of the CFMTA/FCAPM Conference. The runner-up must be prepared to replace the winner should circumstances make it impossible for the winner to compete at the National Competition.

Generous prizes are made possible through the continuing support of the ARMTA Recognition Fund.

Eligibility

Competitors must be:

between the ages of 19 and 33 as of January 1, 2023
Canadian Citizens or landed immigrants
voice student of an ARMTA teacher at the time of application

Semi-Final Round – Video Submission

Competitors in the ARMTA Provincial Semi-Final Round must submit a Youtube recording of their semi-final round performance, 25 to 30 minutes in length, consisting of the following:

Repertoire:

Required: one operatic aria
The rest of the program must be a well-balanced program representing a variety of periods, styles and languages.
The performance should be representative of the performer’s level and ability.
No changes in repertoire are permitted once application is submitted.

A link to the Youtube recording must accompany the application. It is preferable to submit one link. While the performance need not be professionally recorded, the quality should not compromise the integrity of the performance.

Three competitors will be selected for the final round by a Jury:

Final Round – Live Performance

Competitors in the ARMTA Provincial Final Round must present a program of 30 to 40 minutes consisting of the following:

Required: one operatic OR oratorio aria.
The rest of the performance must be a well balanced program representing a variety of periods, styles and languages.
The competitor may repeat ONE selection from the semi-final round.
No changes in repertoire are permitted once the selection has been submitted.

All selections must be memorized.

Competitors must provide one original score for the judges. The use of unauthorized photocopied material is prohibited.

Prizes and Awards

1st Place: $1000 from the ARMTA Recognition Fund. An additional $1000 from the ARMTA Recognition Fund after representing Alberta in the CFMTA National Voice Competition.

2nd Place: $1000 from the ARMTA Recognition Fund. An additional $1000 if required to replace the 1st place winner at the CFMTA National Voice Competition.

3rd Place: $500 from the ARMTA Recognition Fund.

Edmonton NATS Prize: $250 for Best performance of an Operatic Aria.

Deadlines and Application Procedures

Applications for the ARMTA Provincial Vocal Competition must be received on or before January 1, 2023. The competitors must submit with their application form:

Complete lists of their Provincial repertoire (semi and finals) in order of performance with the exact time of each selection. No changes to the program will be allowed after submission.
A bio of approximately 100-150 words
A good quality headshot photograph for the ARMTA;s website, social media, and newsletter. (optional)
A YouTube link to their semi-final round performance

No changes to the program will be allowed after submission.

Late applications will not be accepted under any circumstances. A confirmation of receipt of application will be sent by email.

For more information, contact Mireille Rijavec.