2024/25 MABC Emerging Artists training and performance program: apply now!

MABC Emerging Artists Fellowship offers opportunities for aspiring singers to explore the music of various genres and to showcase their artistry with appearances on the MABC’s Madison Sounds music series and special occasions, including the Easter and Christmas festival services. 

Six talented singers will be chosen through online auditions to participate in a year-long fellowship. The selected fellows will immerse themselves in a diverse array of musical genres, including sacred choral works, opera scenes, art songs, chamber ensemble pieces, contemporary music, and musical theater selections.

Six talented singers will be chosen through online auditions to participate in this year-long fellowship. 

Each of the six fellows will be granted a total stipend of $1,000.

Fellows will engage in the following activities:

- Engaging in the Madison Sounds music series and fundraising activities, as well as contributing to upcoming outreach efforts.

- Providing substitute support for MABC Choir members as needed (with additional stipends for these substitute services included)

- Performing during significant church events, including 

Christmas and Easter festival worship services and concerts

Professional A/V Recordings. 

All performances during Sunday worship services, including Christmas and Easter concerts, will be both live-streamed and professionally recorded. Fellows will be provided with professional recordings of their performances to support their career advancement and audition submissions.

Education

The fellowship's educational component includes weekly group coaching sessions led by MABC's Minister of Music, the renowned pianist and coach, Aza Sydykov. Additionally, participants will benefit from regular masterclasses conducted by esteemed professors from New York's premier music schools. 

Coaching Schedule:

Group studio coaching sessions will be held on Sundays from 2 PM to 4 PM on the following dates:

Fall Semester:

- September: 8, 15, 22, 29

- October: 6, 13, 20, 27

- November: 3, 10, 17

- December: 1, 8, 15

Spring Semester:

- February: 2, 9, 16, 23

- March: 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

- April: 6, 13, 20, 27

- May: 4, 11

Repertoire Highlights:

- P. I. Tchaikovsky: Eugene Onegin (semi-staged production)

- W.A. Mozart: Coronation Mass in C major

- W.A. Mozart: Great Mass in C minor

- John Rutter: Gloria 

Other assignments, such as art songs, arias, and choral works, will be assigned by Maestro Aza Sydykov upon enrollment in the program.

Madison Sounds Concert Series:

MABC Emerging Artists Fellows will participate in the Madison Sounds concert series on:

- September 19, 2024: Emerging Artists concert featuring operatic works and art songs.

- December 19, 2024: MABC Christmas Gala, featuring Mozart’s Coronation Mass in C major and Rutter’s Gloria, in collaboration with the MABC Choir and guest artists.

- February 20, 2025: Emerging Artists event featuring Tchaikovsky’s Eugene Onegin.

- April 17, 2025: Easter concert featuring Mozart’s Great Mass in C minor, in collaboration with the MABC Choir and guest artists.

- May 22, 2025: Final Emerging Artists concert featuring operatic works and art songs.

MABC Christmas and Easter Worship Services:

- December 22, 2024, Christmas

- April 20, 2025, Easter

Eligibility:
The 2024 MABC Emerging Artists Fellowship program is open to singers who will have reached the age of 21 by the fellowship's commencement date.

Audition Information:
Applicants are required to submit a video recording featuring two contrasting pieces of their choice.

Applications must include:

- A video recording (links to YouTube or Vimeo preferred).
- A concise resume and biography detailing educational background and experience.

Deadline:
The application is free of charge and must be submitted using the Google Form available at the link provided: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdoKF88SEp5sxdyMyAZKPP6rgkRrPLPdqA3cRnMG9_76TW3kw/viewform?usp=sf_link

Please ensure your submission is completed by August 25, 2024, at the latest.

Consent and Release:
All selected Emerging Artist Fellows must agree to be interviewed, photographed, and videotaped during all MABC-produced public events, with the possibility of global broadcasting.

MABC Nondiscrimination Notice:
Madison Avenue Baptist Church is an equal opportunity entity. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and community members. — at Madison Avenue Baptist Church.