Opportunities

The Handel Aria Competition was established to encourage emerging artists to explore the repertoire of Handel. Founders Dean and Orange Schroeder are enthusiasts of the vocal repertoire of George Frideric Handel and lifelong supporters of the arts.

Materials Required:
- Completed application form
- Unedited audio (no video) recordings of two Handel arias: One aria in English and the other in Italian, German, or Latin. - Arias may be from any Handel works including operas, oratorios, cantatas, motets, etc.
- A bio of 150 words or less
- Non-refundable application fee of $25.00

Age Limit: 35. Applicants over 35 will be considered on a case by case basis to determine whether their experience qualifies as emerging artist level.

Program Dates: August 06, 2025 - August 08, 2025

Finalists of the Handel Aria Competition will perform two Handel arias in concert with a small chamber ensemble and harpsichord at A=415. The ensemble includes guest cellist Craig Trompeter, the Artistic Director of Haymarket Opera in Chicago. The concert will be open to the public and streamed live, pending COVID-19 status in Madison, WI.

Payment is provided:
First prize: $2000
Second prize: $1500
Third prize: $1000
$500 Audience Favorite prize

Finalists will be reimbursed up to $600 for travel to Madison. (Limited to actual expense.) Lodging with hosts will be available for out-of-town finalists. Finalists will be responsible for their own food expenses.

Contact Information:
Handel Aria Competition
c/o Sarah Brailey
PO Box 5554
Madison, WI 53705
handelariacompetition@gmail.com
https://handelariacompetition.org/