Barbara Staropoli Singing Competition

Nazareth University School of Music's Barbara Staropoli Singing Competition seeks to create community around the support of young people in the vocal arts. A welcoming environment in which to share exceptional vocal performance, inspire one another and develop meaningful relationships.

Eligibility: Open to all high school students enrolled in Grades 10-12.

Competition Date: Saturday, February 19, 2022

Competition Place: School of Music, Nazareth University, 4245 East Avenue, Rochester, New York 14618

Categories: Classical and Musical Theater. Students may apply to one category only.

Repertoire:

  • Musical Theater: Three (3) selections of contrasting styles: one up-tempo, one ballad, and one selection that predates 1965.
  • Classical Category: Three (3) selections from the standard Classical repertoire, in two different languages (one must be in English) and contrasting styles.

Application Deadline: Friday, February 4, 2022 at 11:59 PM

Registration Fee: A registration fee of $35 (non-refundable) must accompany each online application.

Accompanists: Contestants must provide pianists. Pre-recorded accompaniments will not be accepted. Pianists will be allowed to play for a maximum of 6 contestants.

For more information: Any questions regarding repertoire or the competition should be directed to Dr. Kevin Nitsch

Apply Online

Awards

Classical Division

First Place Winner: $300
Second Place Winner: $200
Third Place Winner: $100
Honorable Mentions will be awarded at the judges’ discretion

Musical Theater Division

First Place Winner: $300
Second Place Winner: $200
Third Place Winner: $100
Honorable Mentions will be awarded at the judges’ discretion

Schedule

Schedule of events and audition times

The schedule of events, including audition times, will be posted on this website by February 14, 2022.

Meet the Judges

Judges of 2022

Judges will be from the faculty of Nazareth College School of Music and Music Theater Departments, and professional alumni. Finalists will be selected to participate in a second round (open to the public) the same afternoon. Written comments will be provided to each participant. The contestant should provide a copy of music scores for the judges. Awards will be announced at the completion of the competition.

Barbara Staropoli

    Barbara Staropoli

    Barbara Staropoli

    Barbara Staropoli's educational background includes a Master of Music degree from Northwestern University and a Doctor of Music Arts in Vocal Performance and Literature from the Eastman School of Music. She served on the faculty at Nazareth from 1971 to 2003.

    During her time at Nazareth, Dr. Staropoli initiated the Opera Workshop, set up the repertory requirements for voice majors in all degrees, organized the program of study for those pursuing the Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance, taught courses in vocal literature, vocal pedagogy and foreign language diction, as well as studio voice.

    She gave recitals every year at Nazareth and was sought as a master class presenter for both high school and college students. Dr. Staropoli was a member of Opera Theater of Rochester as well as an active oratorio soloist in the Rochester area.

    A member of the Sisters of St. Joseph since 1960, Dr. Staropoli left Nazareth in June 2003 after she was elected as Congregational Vice President.