The 2009-2010 Schmidt Youth Vocal Competition

Sponsored by the William E. Schmidt Foundation in partnership with UK Opera Theatre

• September 19, 2009 - Nashville, TN
  Belmont University, Massey Performing Arts Center
• October 10, 2009 - Lexington, KY
  University of Kentucky, Singletary Center, Recital Hall
• January 9, 2010 - Orlando, FL
  Rollin College
• January 31, 2010 - San Diego, CA
  San Diego State University
  
• Download the brochure and application (PDF) (Not a UK site)

An Overview

Encouraging and nurturing the pursuits of young people in the arts is at the core of the William E. Schmidt Youth Vocal Competition. As Mr. Schmidt’s sister, Anna Lee Hamilton said, “In the violent world of today, where cultures clash and conflict seems to prevail, we look to the arts to bring sanity into our lives.  Music speaks a universal language.  Music inspires our noblest impulses.” It is in that spirit that the William E. Schmidt Foundation is pleased to foster the study and performance of vocal music by our young people today.

The competition began in Indiana in 1992, then branched out to an additional venue in Sarasota, Florida in 2006.  In 2007, the competition added a new site at the University of Kentucky in Lexington, where Mr. and Mr. Schmidt are extensively involved with the University of Kentucky’s Opera Theatre program.  And we were pleased to announce a new competition in Nashville, Tennessee at Belmont University for 2009.  

The competition is open to vocal artists who are current high school sophomores, juniors, or seniors and are recommended by their voice teachers or choral directors.  The first 35 applicants will be notified of their acceptance into the competition.  After 35 applications are received, the later applicants will also be acknowledged along with their standing on the waiting list.  All former contestants, with the exception of the first place winners, are eligible and encouraged to enter the competition. Previously performed material is acceptable.

Distinguished professors of voice and opera from major universities around the country judge the competition. Feedback from judges is important in competitions and crucial to the development of young singers, so the Schmidt Youth Vocal Competition offers two extra opportunities for the contestants.  After the first round of competition the judges will offer a master class, and three or four of the competitors will be asked to participate.  Then, following the competition, the judges will be on hand to distribute critique sheets, as well as discuss each singer’s performance and offer guidance.  All singers, their parents or guardians, and teachers are encouraged to remain and make the most of this opportunity.

Many past winners of the Schmidt Youth Vocal Competition have gone on to pursue music degrees and successful careers. Those who have chosen other career paths continue to benefit from their past musical experience in the competition -

…music is truly a lifetime gift that we share with others.

The William E. Schmidt Foundation
www.schmidtfoundation.org (not a UK site)
www.schmidtcompetition.org (not a UK site)

University of Kentucky Opera Theatre
www.uky.edu/finearts/music/opera