The 2027 Art Song Colorado Competition sponsored by the Marcia Ragonetti Bel Canto Fund

The deadline for submission is 11:59 p.m. on December 11, 2026. The competition has two categories: Recitalist and Community Singers. There are no application fee refunds and no travel assistance. You must be a Colorado resident to apply.

Recitalist Level:

Any singer who has experience in any three of the following:

1. has performed a solo art song recital in the past
2. is in or has completed a degree in music
3. is over the age of 18
4. has been taking consistent classical voice lessons for at least three years
5. is regularly paid to sing
6. has done a recognized young artist program

Recitalist Level participants cannot be under management, be under contract at A houses, or have a full-time or tenure track university position teaching voice. There is no age restriction, we urge experienced singers to apply. You must be a Colorado resident to apply.

Recitalist application available here.

Application: Submit a pre-screen video of one art song recorded within the last year, a $15 application fee, and a well-thought-out proposal for a unique recital program that lasts about one hour with a story. Art Song Colorado values creativity and narrative in our concert experiences; ASC stages recitals with props and projections. Keep this in mind while creating your program. This would be your proposal for your solo recital should you win the competition. ASC reserves the right to make changes to your program should you win the competition. An example of a proposal can be found here.

Audition: Prepare four art songs from your submitted creative program. Pianist provided unless you indicate you will be applying for the Collaboration Award.

Prizes:

The first-place winner receives $1500, a solo recital on Art Song Colorado's 2027-2028 season, and two season tickets to Art Song Colorado's 2027-2028 season. The winner's recital will be on Friday, January 7, 2028. As part of this award, you will work with the Art Song Colorado team to refine the script, video/slide projections and curated art for the event. The winner's concert contract will include compensation for you and your accompanist.

The second-place winner receives $500 and two season tickets to Art Song Colorado's 2027-2028 season.

Audience Favorite winner receives $250 and two season tickets to Art Song Colorado's 2027-2028 season.

Collaboration Award: For pianist/singer duos, awarded by the audition panel: $500

40+ Award: Singers over 40 years old will be eligible for this prize, which will be awarded by the audition panel: $250

All participants will be heard by industry professionals and be considered for Art Song Colorado's singer rosters.

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Community Singer Level:

Any singer who meets fewer than three of the above-listed qualifications. There are no age restrictions, but it is recommended for 13 and up. We encourage church choir singer/soloists, those who study voice privately and art song enthusiasts to participate. Singers cannot be under management, be under contract at A-level houses, or have a full-time or tenure-track university position teaching voice. Must be a Colorado resident to apply.

Community singer application available here.

Individual competitors: No video submission required. Submit titles and composers for two audition selections.

Teachers: You can submit up to 5 students for the recreational singer category for $50 and you will be eligible for the 2027 Art Song Colorado Teacher of the Year award.

Audition: Prepare two art songs or folk songs with piano accompaniment. Pianist provided. Please be prepared with sheet music in the proper key.

Prizes:

The up to 3 avocational singers will receive a $200 prize, and two season tickets to Art Song Colorado's 2027-2028 season.

They will each kick off the final round of the Recitalist competition (at 7pm on Saturday, January 9th) with a public performance of one art song.

Teacher of the Year: Teachers submitting a group application will be eligible for a cash prize if their student is selected as winner.

2027 Art Song Colorado Competition Audition Fee

For Individuals and Teachers