The Competition is open for sopranos, mezzosopranos and contraltos who were born on/after March 28, 1973 and tenors, baritones and basses who were born on/after March 28, 1971.

Application must be sent to the Organizing Committee of Jazeps Vitols International Vocal Competition - Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Latvia, K. Valdemara Str. 11a, Riga, Latvia, LV-1364, before January 15, 2004 (postal stamp).

Application must contain the following:
1) Application form;
2) Copy of passport or identification card;
3) Description of creative activities;
4) Diplomas or certificates from institutions where the contestant has pursued his musical studies (copy);
5) Recent photographs (13x9 cm).

The applicants will be informed about the receiving of their applications and their admission or no admission by February 15, 2004.

The entrance fee of EUR 50 must be paid to the Organizing Committee during the registration of contestants.
The entrance fee is not refunded if the contestant does not participate in the Competition.

The Organizing Committee covers accommodation expenses only for the participants of the Third Round. The contestants not participating in the Third Round by the decision of the jury, but would like to listen to the Competition, are provided with accommodation at their own expense. Travel expenses are not covered by the Organizing Committee.

First Round

1. One 17th or 18th century aria from opera, cantata or oratorium.

2. One of six songs by Jazeps Vitols: Felicity; Listen, bright-eyes; Close your eyes and smile; My kokle; Far-away dreams (transposition allowed).

3. One song by a composer of the country represented by the contestant.

4. One 19th or 20th century opera aria.

Second Round

1.One of the songs by composers Jazeps Vitols, Emils Darzins, Alfreds Kalnins or Janis Medins (transposition allowed).

2. Vocal cycle or part of the cycle or several songs by one composer (14-16 minutes).

3. One large-scale opera aria.

Third Round

Two arias free of choice from opera repertory. One of them may be presented in the First or Second Round.

Notes:
1. All songs and arias must be performed in the original language.
2. Jazeps Vitols' song in the First and Second Rounds may not be performed repeatedly.
3. Music of the Third Round (score, orchestra parts) should be coordinated with the Organizing Committee.

Please order the sheet music of Latvian composer's compositions at the Organizing Committee.

The Competition will be held in three rounds. A maximum of 50% of the contestants will take part in the Second Round. Only six contestants will be promoted to the Third Round. The Concerto in the Third Round will be performed with the Latvian National Opera orchestra. The order of appearance of the contestants will be determined by drawing of lots.
This order will remain throughout the Competition.
The laureates must be prepared to contribute their services by participating in the Prizewinners' Concert.

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Grand Prix Euro 5000
First prize Euro 3000
Second prize Euro 2000
Third prize Euro 1000

The other participants of the Third Round will be awarded the prize Euro 500 each. For the Laureates of the Competition will be afforded the opportunity to perform at the Latvian National opera in the role decided by the Artistic Director of the Opera house or opportunity to perform at the concert - decision will be made by Latvian State Concert Agency.