Enter
Enter Entries Open March 01 to April 31, 2025
2025 Vocal Competition dates TBC: 18 to 28 July
Venue: The Mechanics Institute, Minerva Space, Sturt St, Ballarat
VCE Singers
VCE Singers (Unit 1 – 4) in either VCE Performance (Repertoire or Contemporary) or VCE VET Music Industry (Performance) have the opportunity to perform two contrasting songs from their program in a non-competitive section, with feedback based on the VCAA criteria and full masterclass with our specialized adjudicator.
Adjudication
We announce different professional adjudicators every year, always offering a wealth of experience, knowledge and skills to share in their adjudication and encouragement of the performances.
Adjudication is based on specific criteria.
Our 2025 adjudicators are Sally Bourne and Phoebe Humphreys.
15 points – Intonation
15 points – Vocal Technique
10 points – Rhythm / Phrasing
10 points – Diction / Articulation / Dynamics
15 points – Story Telling / Authenticity
10 points – Presentation / Poise / Focus
10 points – Stylistic Markers of the genre
10 points – Musicality / Interpretation
5 points – Appropriate Song Choice
Freemasons Vocal Competition
With the support of Freemasons Foundaton Victoria, our eisteddfod platform is an important part of the encouraging and transformative journey for performers where they can receive constructive feedback, learn and refine their skills, boost their confidence, and unlock their full potential.
Join us on your path to self-discovery and artistic excellence on the stage at the Freemasons Vocal Competition.
With a range of sections, great prize money and flow-on opportunities, we encourage performers across a wide range of genres.
We currently are offer the following sections:
- Novice - sing for critique only
- Upbeat Pop/Rock
- Country
- Contemporary Stage and Screen Combo
- Pre 1960's Stage and Screen
- Jazz/Blues/Soul/Gospel
- Contemporary Ballad
- Classical Solo
- AMEB/Exam Syllabus Beginner
- AMEB/Exam Syllabus Intermediate
- AMEB/Exam Syllabus Advanced
- VCE / VET Vocal Solo
- Vocal Solo and Accompanist *NEW*
- Duet/Trio
- ‘Strut Your Stuff’
- Operetta and Enduring Classics
- Sacred and Oratorio
- Lieder and Art Song
- Championship Challenge
Proudly supported by Freemasons Foundation Victoria.
Ballarat Opera Festival Opportunity (Still TBC for 2025) – Classical vocalists 16 Years and Over, are eligible to be invited to take part in the Ballarat Opera Festival (sponsored by Victorian Opera). Spread out across the year, the festival will consist of a celebration of singing through three main events, all of which showcase Victorian Opera’s strong partnership with local performing arts groups and the people of Ballarat. After the success of The Big Sing in 2023, held at the Civic Hall, this cornerstone event of the festival will return continuing Victorian Opera’s relationship with the Ballarat Choral Society and Ballarat Symphony Orchestra. In addition, 2024 will see the inclusion of a fully staged opera along with a lecture and recital series.
Victorian Opera Season Pass 2025 – Awarded to the winner of ‘Championship Challenge’.
Tickets to Victorian Opera 2025 productions – Awarded to the winner of ‘Operetta and Enduring Classics’ and 'Art Song and Lieder'
Sponsors
Supporter & Sponsors
A huge thank you to our prize money and medal supporters and sponsors.
The generosity of our supporters and sponsors enables us to offer cash prizes, medals and ribbons for competitors in every section.
Gold Crown Supporters
- Freemasons Foundation Victoria
Silver Crown Supporters
- SBN - School Broadcasting Network
Bronze Crown Supporters
- Henkell Family Fund
Champion Supporters
- Optiform
Encore Sponsors
- BLOC Music Theatre Inc
- Caine Real Estate
- Field Air
- Lorayne Branch
- The Piano Bar
Spotlight Sponsors
- Coward-Lemke Music School
- Ballarat Allied Health
- Ballarat Vocal Studio
- BCMA - Ballarat Centre of Music & the Arts
- Birmingham Farm
- Chris Gardiner
- Elsie Morison Memorial Trust
- Homeground Cafe and Bakery
- Marjorie Davies
- Nicholas McMahon
- Robyn Antoine
- Sally Bourne
- The Shine Centre
- Val Coad
- William Morrell Memorial Fund
We always welcome additional supporters and sponsors. As a charitable organisation, all donations and sponsorships are tax deductible see our Support Us page.
2024 Vocal Adjudicators
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