Harold Haugh Light Opera Vocal Competition

A Competition In Which Operatically Trained Singers Prove They Can Entertain

The Harold Haugh Light Opera Vocal Competition was formed to honor one of the finest Oratorio Tenors and stage performers of the last century, Harold Alberto Haugh. Upon retirement in 1960, he became active in local theater and starred in six productions for the Comic Opera Guild. Educator (for 34 years) and performer, Prof. Haugh died in 2000, aged 94.

COMPETITION RULES

The Harold Haugh Light Opera Vocal Competition has no top age limit. It is open to all singers who are not professionally represented (under management). The competition is also intended to promote the variety of fine music produced by the composers of Light Opera. Singers can choose music from Pergolesi to Franz Lehar, Mozart to Romberg, from Elixir of Love to Show Boat

THE NEXT COMPETITION TBA

Fundraising is currently ongoing, but we are below our goals for the upcoming competition. A date for the competition will be announced once we have secured our award funding.

APPLICATIONS

Please use the application form, DOWNLOADABLE AT THE LINK BELOW and submit it with the following materials:

• A good quality AUDIO CASSETTE or CD demonstrating the applicant’s vocal skill. Applicant must include two selections on the tape. The selections should be:
1. A song or solo from the light opera repertoire
2. An aria from opera or oratorio
Selections must be well-recorded and clear. A poor recording will be rejected.
• A recent photograph (8 x 10 preferred, 4 x 6 acceptable)
• A check for $30 made out to the Comic Opera Guild, as an audition/application fee and guarantee of appearance.
Send all this information in a single envelope to:

Harold Haugh Light Opera Vocal Competition
c/o The Comic Opera Guild
3211 Packard Ann Arbor, MI 48108

All submissions must be received (postmarked) by: TBA Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. Contestants’ recordings will be adjudicated, and contestants will be notified by mail, or e-mail if they desire, if they have been accepted for the semi-final rounds by TBA. Audition times are assigned on a first- come, first-served basis.

WINNERS OF THE 2009 COMPETITION

FIRST PLACE — TRAVIS PRATT

SECOND PLACE — ADAM FRY

THIRD PLACE — CARRIE WINTER

FINALISTS — ELIZABETH TOY, LEAH DEXTER, RACHEL CRIM, JOSHUA GLASSMAN, JILLIAN FINNAMORE

AUDIENCE CHOICE AWARD WINNER — TRAVIS PRATT

YOUNG ARTIST WINNER — JANANI SRIDHAR

JUDGING PANEL

George Shirley, The Joseph Edgar Maddy Distinguished University Professor of Music (Voice) and Director, Vocal Arts Division, The University of Michigan School of Music. Mr. Shirley’s career as a lead tenor is world-renowned.

Glenda Kirkland received her education at the Juilliard School and is currently a Professor of Voice at Eastern Michigan University. She has made many appearances with opera companies, oratorio societies, symphony orchestras, and recital series throughout the United States.

Sally Mikat studied at Brigham Young University and the University of Michigan. She performed with the Toledo Opera, Israel Chamber Orchestra and the Southern California Mormon Choir and has toured extensively. She currently teaches voice privately.

Thomas Petiet, Managing Director of the Comic Opera Guild, has produced more than 50 operettas. His vocal repertory includes lead roles in over 30 operas and operettas, and he has also worked as stage director and translator.

COMPETITION STAFF

Brad Rondeau, Former President of the COG board, has also served as stage director and performer.

Margaret Counihan, professional accompanist, has also served on the Board, as well as performing onstage.

Thomas Petiet (see bio above)

COMPETITION WINNERS

2000 COMPETITION WINNERS
Gary Moss, Baritone
“Oh, Better Far” Pirates of Penzance (Sullivan)

Marcia Porter, soprano
“Meine Lippen...” Giuditta (Strauss)

2001 COMPETITION WINNERS
Michael Ryan, Tenor
“Fritz’s Rondo” La Grande Duchesse (Offenbach)

Pei-Yi Wang, mezzo-soprano
“Una Voce Poco Fa” Barber of Seville (Rossini)

2003 COMPETITION WINNERS
Michael Gallant, Tenor
"Kleinzach" Tales of Hoffman (Offenbach)

Jessica Medoff, soprano
“Czardas” Die Fledermaus (Johann Strauss)

2005 COMPETITION WINNERS
William Bennett, Baritone
“Largo al Factotum” Barber of Seville (Rossini)

Kimberly Dolanski, soprano
“Glitter and be Gay” Candide (Bernstein)

2006 COMPETITION WINNERS
Sara Asmar, soprano
“Olympia's Song” Tales of Hoffman (Offenbach)

Nathan Brian, baritone
“Come Un Ape” La Cenerentola (Rossini)

2008 COMPETITION WINNERS
Elizabeth Zharoff, soprano
“O Quante Volte" I Capuletti ed i Montecchi (Bellini) & "Audition Aria" Die Fledermaus (Strauss)

Nathaniel Peake, tenor

“Dein ist Mein Ganzes Herz" Land of Smiles (Lehar) & "Salut! Demeure Chaste e Pure" Faust (Gounod)

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD AN APPLICATION BOOKLET