Terms and Conditions
Terms and Conditions
- PARTICIPANTS – The Nicholas Tarling Aria Competition is divided into two categories: the JUNIOR Division (18 years and under) and the SENIOR Division (19 to 35). Entries from the South Auckland area are particularly welcome. Participants must be available for the Final Round Recital on Tuesday 11 February 2025 from 7.00pm and for a rehearsal run through with piano on Monday 10 February 2025 from 4.00pm at the Due Drop Events Centre, 770 Great South Road, Manukau. Winners must be available to perform at the Manukau Symphony Orchestra’s (MSO) Family Concert on Sunday 15 June 2025 and attend rehearsals.
- ENTRIES – Entries for the Digital Round must complete an application form, with an accessible link to their performance on YouTube. These must be submitted through the competition website, www.tarlingaria.org.nz, and received by 11.00pm on Sunday 24 November 2024. LATE ENTRIES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
- DIGITAL ENTRIES – Videos uploaded to YouTube must have a clear view and audio of the person singing and must not be edited in any way. The participant may sing any song or aria of their choosing with piano accompaniment. Videos must show a minimum of 2 minutes of singing for the Junior Division, and 3–5 minutes for the Senior Division. Participants must start their video by stating their name and the piece they are performing.
- PRIVACY – Digital entries will not be shared through digital media by the organisers or associated staff of the Nicholas Tarling Aria Competition, and the MSO, without expressed permission from the participant.
- JUDGES – Communications with the judge(s), either by competitors, teachers, or any other interested parties during the competition is prohibited. A judge reserves the right to communicate if appropriate. Judges’ decisions are final.
- PRIZES – Prizes will be awarded at the judge’s discretion. Should an equal prize be awarded, the prize money will be split equally. Prizes will be awarded as the Nicholas Tarling Voice Scholarship = Prize money is as follows: First Prize Winner $5,000; Runner-up Prize $3,000; Most Promising Singer Prize $1,000; Sally Stone Award for outstanding talent, promise, excellence, and financial need worthy of support $1,000; Junior Prize Winner $1,000.
- REQUIREMENTS OF THE FINAL ROUND RECITAL – Singers who proceed to the Final Round Recital will be notified within 10 working days of the closing date. Singers will perform up to 8 minutes total in length with piano accompaniment. Singers must provide a photo and biography of themselves for the programme and digital platforms, and a digital copy of their music, including the title of songs/arias and composers for the accompanist and judges by Monday 13 January 2025. Please note that no person, other than officials, guardians of minors, carers, or guide dogs, will be permitted backstage or at the side of the stage.
- ORDER OF PERFORMANCE – In the Final Round Recital, participants will perform in the order in which they appear in the programme. Any change must be with the permission of the Competition Coordinator.
- MARKETING AND PUBLICITY – All participants in the Final Round Recital and Winners Concert agree for their images to be used to promote the Nicholas Tarling Aria Competition in print and digital media platforms. Photographs from the official photographer will be made available to participants free of charge.
- ACCOMPANIST – The official accompanist for the Final Round will be Rosemary Barnes. It is not permitted to use a different accompanist. Additional rehearsals with the official accompanist are permitted and may be arranged prior to the Rehearsal run through on Monday 10 February 2025 at the singer’s expense. To make an appointment, contact Rosemary Barnes at rosiejbarnes@gmail.com.