Syllabus - Voice - Classical
WHAT'S NEW FOR 2027
- For housekeeping purposes, popular voice is treated as a distinct discipline.
- Novice and set piece classes are being regrouped into categories sorted by age (8 and under, 9-10, and so on). Class numbers will be revised as a result.
- Offerings for performers aged 8 and under, 10 and under, and 12 and under have been expanded slightly.
- Adult classes have been split into categories for adults with lesser or greater degrees of technical proficiency. Classes for adult performers newer to voice training and performance will be tagged as "beginner".
- The Festival has added virtual classical voice classes.
HOUSEKEEPING
Adjudication Classical voice classes are customarily divided among two adjudicators: junior and senior.
- The junior adjudicator, by convention, oversees classes for performers aged 16 and under.
- The senior adjudicator, by convention, oversees Open classes as well as classes for performers aged 17 through 20. The senior adjudicator has customarily overseen all adult classes, though classes for beginner adults may be overseen by the junior adjudicator as required by scheduling constraints.
DEFINITIONS
Vocal Ranges For the purpose of the Festival, performer vocal ranges are grouped into the categories listed below. Performers may enter classes that best fit either their own gender (whether corresponding to their assigned gender at birth or not) or their vocal range, at their discretion.
- Girls treble;
- Boys treble;
- High voice - soprano, mezzo, alto;
- Low voice - counter-tenor, tenor, baritone, bass.
Voice Duet, Trio, or Ensemble A voice duet, trio, or ensemble is any duet, trio, or ensemble consisting entirely of vocalists. If the duet, trio, or ensemble is accompanied, the accompaniment part may be played by an amateur or professional performer. Members of a vocal ensemble may be of any voice range.
RULES & REGULATIONS
Adjudication Classes in this discipline are adjudicated competitively except where otherwise specified.
Vocal Range and Instrumentation Unless a class specifies either kind of treble voice, high voice, or low voice, a performer of any vocal range may enter that class. If a class specifies voice duet or trio or voice ensemble, the ensemble entering such a class must satisfy the definitions of voice duets, trios, or ensembles.
Repertoire Each class specifies the quantity of repertoire selections required for that class in its description. If a class permits performance of more than one selection, multiple selections must be contrasting - distinct from one another in style, mood, tempo, and so on. Selections may be accompanied or unaccompanied. When in doubt, the adjudicator determines the suitability of a repertoire selection for its class.
Classical Repertoire Selections in classical categories must be art music or "classical" repertoire. Selections from films or video games written in "classical" genres or idioms are also permitted. They may be the performer's own choice, including (but not limited to) Conservatory selections drawn from an RCM or CC repertoire list. Selections must match any historical characteristic, stylistic characteristic, or other restriction specified in a class name, if there are any. Selections must be suited to the technical proficiency of the performer or performers.
Language A Set Piece selection must be performed in its own language. Unless otherwise specified, any other selection may be performed either in its original language or in a language available in any standard published edition of the selection.
Multi-Movement Works When performing two or more movements from a multi-movement work, you combine such movements into a single selection, and may not perform them as distinct selections. These movements must be contrasting where possible. When performing multiple movements from a multi-movement work in a class, you may combine two or more movements from the work together according to the rules specific to the class's category.
Solo Classical Voice Age 18 and Under
Eligibility Performers entering a class in this category must satisfy the maximum age requirement of that class. A performer entering at least one competitive class in this age cohort may enter up to one competitive class in any higher age cohort, including Open classes but excluding adult classes.
Multi-Movement Works When performing a multi-movement work, you may combine any number of movements from such a work together into a single selection, as long as the total performance time does not exceed 10 minutes. You may not split movements from the same work into multiple selections in a single class.
| Class | Earlybird | |
|---|---|---|
| Class:VC163 - Novice Voice Age 18 and Under Repertoire Two selections; Time Limit 15 minutes. Adjudication This class is adjudicated as participation only. Repertoire may be chosen from any "classical" style or historical period, including folk songs. Opera and oratorio selections are not permitted. | Earlybird:$55.00 | Closed |
| Class:VC164 - High Voice Art Song Age 18 and Under Repertoire Two selections; Time Limit 15 minutes. Additional Rules A selection in this class must be drawn from the standard or conventional art song repertoire. Multiple selections must all be drawn from the same historical or stylistic period. | Earlybird:$55.00 | Closed |
| Class:VC165 - Low Voice Art Song Age 18 and Under Repertoire Two selections; Time Limit 15 minutes. Additional Rules A selection in this class must be drawn from the standard or conventional art song repertoire. Multiple selections must all be drawn from the same historical or stylistic period. | Earlybird:$55.00 | Closed |
| Class:VC166 - Any Voice Canadian and First Nations Age 18 and Under Repertiore Two selections; Time Limit 15 minutes. Folk song is not permitted in this class. | Earlybird:$55.00 | Closed |
| Class:VC167 - High Voice Early Music Age 18 and Under Repertoire Two selections; Time Limit 15 minutes. A selection in this class must have been composed before 1800, and may be of any genre excluding folk song. | Earlybird:$55.00 | Closed |
| Class:VC168 - Low Voice Early Music Age 18 and Under Repertoire Two selections; Time Limit 15 minutes. Additional Rules A selection in this class must have been composed before 1800, and may be of any genre excluding folk song. | Earlybird:$55.00 | Closed |
| Class:VC169 - Any Voice Folk Song Age 18 and Under Repertoire Two selections; Time Limit 15 minutes. A selection in this class must be drawn from standard or conventional folk music, excluding contemporary "pop" folk (such as, for instance, Pete Seeger or Stan Rogers). Accompaniment Traditional or historically-appropriate accompaniment is encouraged. | Earlybird:$55.00 | Closed |
| Class:VC170 - High Voice Opera Age 18 and Under Repertoire One selection; Time Limit 10 minutes. A selection in this class must be an operatic aria, with or without recitative as appropriate. | Earlybird:$55.00 | Closed |
| Class:VC571 - Low Voice Opera Age 18 and Under Repertoire One selection; Time Limit 10 minutes. A selection in this class must be an operatic aria, with or without recitative as appropriate. | Earlybird:$55.00 | Closed |
| Class:VC172 - High Voice Sacred Music Age 18 and Under Repertoire Two selections; Time Limit 15 minutes. A selection in this class must be drawn from the standard or conventional “classical” sacred song repertoire, including arias from a Mass, sacred cantata, Magnificat, sacred oratorio, and so on, with or without recitative as appropriate. | Earlybird:$55.00 | Closed |
| Class:VC173 - Low Voice Sacred Music Age 18 and Under Repertoire Two selections; Time Limit 15 minutes. A selection in this class must be drawn from the standard or conventional “classical” sacred song repertoire, including arias from a Mass, sacred cantata, Magnificat, sacred oratorio, and so on, with or without recitative as appropriate. | Earlybird:$55.00 | Closed |
| Class:VC174 - Any Voice Women, BIPOC, LGBTQ+ Age 18 and Under Repertiore Two selections; Time Limit 15 minutes. Folk song is not permitted in this class. | Earlybird:$55.00 | Closed |
| Class:VC175 - High Voice Concert Recital Age 18 and Under Repertoire Three selections; Time Limit 20 minutes. Selections in this class must be drawn from two or more historical or stylistic periods. Up to one selection may be an operatic or sacred aria, including recitative as appropriate. Folk song or operetta selections are not permitted. | Earlybird:$60.00 | Closed |
| Class:VC176 - Low Voice Concert Recital Age 18 and Under Repertoire Three selections; Time Limit 20 minutes. Selections in this class must be drawn from two or more historical or stylistic periods. Up to one selection may be an operatic or sacred aria, including recitative as appropriate. Folk song or operetta selections are not permitted. | Earlybird:$60.00 | Closed |
| Class:VC177 - Any Voice Operetta Age 18 and Under Repertoire Two selections; Time Limit 15 minutes. A selection in this class must be drawn from an operetta, including works by Gilbert & Sullivan or French opéra comique. | Earlybird:$55.00 | Closed |
| Class:VC178 - Any Voice Non-Competitive Age 18 and Under Repertiore Two selections; Time Limit 15 minutes. Adjudication This class is adjudicated non-competitively. | Earlybird:$55.00 | Closed |
| Class:VC179 - Any Voice Sight Reading Age 18 and Under Repertoire Selection is provided by the Festival at the time of the participant's scheduled performance. | Earlybird:$55.00 | Closed |
| Class:VC180 - Any Voice Quick Study Age 18 and Under Repertoire Selection is provided by the Festival two (2) business days before the participant's scheduled performance. | Earlybird:$55.00 | Closed |
Solo Classical Voice Age 20 and Under
Eligibility Performers entering a class in this category must satisfy the maximum age requirement of that class. A performer entering at least one competitive class in this age cohort may enter up to one competitive Open class.
Multi-Movement Works When performing a multi-movement work, you may combine any number of movements from such a work together into a single selection, as long as the total performance time does not exceed 10 minutes. You may not split movements from the same work into multiple selections in a single class.
| Class | Earlybird | |
|---|---|---|
| Class:VC181 - Novice Voice Age 20 and Under Repertoire Two selections; Time Limit 15 minutes. Adjudication This class is adjudicated as participation only. Repertoire may be chosen from any "classical" style or historical period, including folk songs. Opera and oratorio selections are not permitted. | Earlybird:$60.00 | Closed |
| Class:VC182 - Any Voice Art Song Age 20 and Under Repertoire Two selections; Time Limit 15 minutes. A selection in this class must be drawn from the standard or conventional art song repertoire. Multiple selections must all be drawn from the same historical or stylistic period. | Earlybird:$60.00 | Closed |
| Class:VC183 - Any Voice Canadian and First Nations Age 20 and Under Repertiore Two selections; Time Limit 15 minutes. Folk song is not permitted in this class. | Earlybird:$60.00 | Closed |
| Class:VC184 - Any Voice Early Music Age 20 and Under Repertoire Two selections; Time Limit 15 minutes. A selection in this class must have been composed before 1800, and may be of any genre excluding folk song. | Earlybird:$60.00 | Closed |
| Class:VC185 - Any Voice Folk Song Age 20 and Under Repertoire Two selections; Time Limit 15 minutes. A selection in this class must be drawn from standard or conventional folk music, excluding contemporary "pop" folk (such as, for instance, Pete Seeger or Stan Rogers). Accompaniment Traditional or historically-appropriate accompaniment is encouraged. | Earlybird:$60.00 | Closed |
| Class:VC186 - Any Voice Opera Age 20 and Under Repertoire One selection; Time Limit 10 minutes. A selection in this class must be an operatic aria, with or without recitative as appropriate. | Earlybird:$60.00 | Closed |
| Class:VC187 - Any Voice Sacred Music Age 20 and Under Repertoire Two selections; Time Limit 15 minutes. A selection in this class must be drawn from the standard or conventional “classical” sacred song repertoire, including arias from a Mass, sacred cantata, Magnificat, sacred oratorio, and so on, with or without recitative as appropriate. | Earlybird:$60.00 | Closed |
| Class:VC188 - Any Voice Women, BIPOC, LGBTQ+ Age 20 and Under Repertiore Two selections; Time Limit 15 minutes. Folk song is not permitted in this class. | Earlybird:$60.00 | Closed |
| Class:VC189 - Any Voice Concert Recital Age 20 and Under Repertoire Three or four selections; Time Limit 20 minutes. Selections in this class must be drawn from two or more historical or stylistic periods. Up to one selection may be an operatic or sacred aria, including recitative as appropriate. Folk song or operetta selections are not permitted. | Earlybird:$65.00 | Closed |
| Class:VC190 - Any Voice Operetta Age 20 and Under Repertoire Two selections; Time Limit 15 minutes. A selection in this class must be drawn from an operetta, including works by Gilbert & Sullivan or French opéra comique. | Earlybird:$60.00 | Closed |
| Class:VC191 - Any Voice Non-Competitive Age 20 and Under Repertiore Two selections; Time Limit 15 minutes. Adjudication This class is adjudicated non-competitively. | Earlybird:$60.00 | Closed |
| Class:VC192 - Any Voice Sight Reading Age 20 and Under Repertoire Selection is provided by the Festival at the time of the participant's scheduled performance. | Earlybird:$60.00 | Closed |
| Class:VC193 - Any Voice Quick Study Age 20 and Under Repertoire Selection is provided by the Festival two (2) business days before the participant's scheduled performance. | Earlybird:$60.00 | Closed |
Solo Classical Voice Open
Eligibility Performers entering a class in this category must by age 28 or under.
Language Selections in Open classes must be performed in their original language if they are English, French, German, or Italian.
Multi-Movement Works When performing a multi-movement work, you may combine any number of movements from such a work together into a single selection, as long as the total performance time does not exceed 10 minutes. You may not split movements from the same work into multiple selections in a single class.
| Class | Earlybird | |
|---|---|---|
| Class:VC194 - Open Voice Art Song Repertoire Three selections; Time Limit 18 minutes. A selection in this class must be drawn from the standard or conventional art song repertoire. Multiple selections must all be drawn from the same historical or stylistic period. | Earlybird:$65.00 | Closed |
| Class:VC195 - Open Voice Art Song and Mixed Repertoire Repertoire Three selections; Time Limit 18 minutes. One selection in this class must be an aria from an opera or from a sacred work, including recitative as appropriate. Each other selection in this class must be drawn from the standard or conventional art song repertoire. Art song selections in this class must be drawn from the same historical or stylistic period. | Earlybird:$65.00 | Closed |
| Class:VC196 - Open Voice Canadian and First Nations Repertiore Three selections; Time Limit 18 minutes. Folk song is not permitted in this class. | Earlybird:$65.00 | Closed |
| Class:VC197 - Open Voice Early Music Repertoire Three selections; Time Limit 18 minutes. A selection in this class must have been composed before 1800, and may be of any genre excluding folk song. | Earlybird:$65.00 | Closed |
| Class:VC198 - Open Voice Folk Song Repertoire Three selections; Time Limit 18 minutes. A selection in this class must be drawn from standard or conventional folk music, excluding contemporary "pop" folk (such as, for instance, Pete Seeger or Stan Rogers). Accompaniment Traditional or historically-appropriate accompaniment is encouraged. | Earlybird:$65.00 | Closed |
| Class:VC199 - Open Voice Opera Repertoire Two selections; Time Limit 15 minutes. A selection in this class must be an operatic aria, with or without recitative as appropriate. | Earlybird:$65.00 | Closed |
| Class:VC200 - Open Voice Sacred Music Repertoire Three selections; Time Limit 18 minutes. A selection in this class must be drawn from the standard or conventional “classical” sacred song repertoire, including arias from a Mass, sacred cantata, Magnificat, sacred oratorio, and so on, with or without recitative as appropriate. | Earlybird:$65.00 | Closed |
| Class:VC201 - Open Voice Women, BIPOC, LGBTQ+ Repertiore Three selections; Time Limit 18 minutes. Folk song is not permitted in this class. | Earlybird:$65.00 | Closed |
| Class:VC202 - Open Voice Concert Recital Repertoire Four or more selections, up to eight selections total; Time Limit 30 minutes. Selections in this class must be drawn from two or more historical or stylistic periods. Up to one selection may be an operatic or sacred aria, including recitative as appropriate. Folk song or operetta selections are not permitted. | Earlybird:$70.00 | Closed |
| Class:VC203 - Open Voice Operetta Repertoire Three selections; Time Limit 18 minutes. A selection in this class must be drawn from an operetta, including works by Gilbert & Sullivan or French opéra comique. | Earlybird:$65.00 | Closed |
| Class:VC204 - Open Voice Non-Competitive Repertiore Three selections; Time Limit 18 minutes. Adjudication This class is adjudicated non-competitively. | Earlybird:$65.00 | Closed |
| Class:VC205 - Open Voice Sight Reading Repertoire Selection is provided by the Festival at the time of the participant's scheduled performance. | Earlybird:$65.00 | Closed |
| Class:VC206 - Open Voice Quick Study Repertoire Selection is provided by the Festival two (2) business days before the participant's scheduled performance. | Earlybird:$65.00 | Closed |