(Fort Lee, NJ) -- Artistic Director Lucine Amara invites vocalists of all ages worldwide to apply now to the New Jersey Association of Verismo Opera's 27th Annual International Vocal Competition.  The early bird registration deadline is July 31, 2015.

The New Jersey Association of Verismo Opera (Verismo Opera) is the house opera company of the Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) in Englewood, New Jersey.  The nonprofit opera company is recognized for providing opportunities for artists to learn and perform in a professional environment with a live orchestra.

The 26th Annual International Vocal Competition first prize winner, tenor José Heredia from New York City, recently performed the role of Don Jose in Verismo Opera's production of Carmen on April 26 at bergenPAC.   Last year, Young Joo An, the 2013 Verismo Opera Vocal Competition second prize winner, debuted with the company as Marcello in La Bohème.  Finalist Jonathan Scott performed the role of Giorgio Germont in the company's production of La Traviata and Marcello in a second performance of La Bohème.

Preliminary auditions will take place at bergenPAC's Drapkin Cabaret & Lounge, located at 30 North Van Brunt Street in Englewood, New Jersey, from November 1-14, 2015.  The application deadline is October 31, 2015.  Final auditions will take place in early 2016.

The early bird registration fee, $55, is in effect through July 31, 2015, changing to $75 on August 1, 2015.  Payment may be made securely online at http://verismopera.org/donate-2/ located at the bottom of the page or by check made out and sent to Verismo Opera, P.O. Box 3024, Fort Lee, NJ 07024-9024.

All applicants are required to send a resume, bio, a MP3 file or a CD containing at least three arias, an 8 x 10 black and white photo, and the application fee.  Applicants will be notified if they are accepted into the competition.  An application may be downloaded at ­­­­­­­­­http://verismopera.org/causes/competitions-2/.

A professional accompanist will be provided to all participants at the preliminary and final auditions.  This year, a free master class will be offered to applicants accepted to sing in the preliminary auditions in the vocal competition.

Finalists will receive feedback; extensive free coaching on language, style and presentation; and be given the opportunity to perform in Verismo Opera's fully staged upcoming productions.  Winners will receive cash awards totaling $3,500 ($2,000 first prize, $1,000 second prize and $500 third prize).  For further information or to schedule an audition appointment, contact info@verismopera.org or call (201) 886-0561.

For 26 years, the New Jersey Association of Verismo Opera has been an integral part of the region’s classical music culture.  Led by Metropolitan Opera luminary Lucine Amara, Verismo Opera delivers a rich, grand opera experience for performers and viewers.

The organization provides performing opportunities for young musicians and artists through its semi-annual productions at the Bergen Performing Arts Center and concerts held in community settings.  Community members are invited to get involved as supernumeraries and volunteers.

An annual international vocal competition is conducted in November with finals generally drawing artists throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe.  Verismo Opera also organizes opera workshops, master classes and concerts and offers affordable, highly professional productions.

For more information about the nonprofit opera company, visit its web site, www.verismopera.org.