Applications are closed for 2022 – thank you to everyone who applied.
How to file an application
To submit your application online, you must first create an account. Once you complete the registration form, you will receive an email from “WordPress” with a link that will allow you to enable your account and begin using the Application Portal. If you don’t receive an email, make sure to check your spam folder!
Once your account has been created and confirmed, log into the application portal to submit your application package by the deadline, including:
- The Foundation’s application form, duly completed
- 8×10 photo in JPG format
- Audio demo in MP3 format
- NOTE: A blind jury carries out the preselection. Please do not introduce yourself in the demo. Videos are not accepted.
- Two recent letters of recommendation
- NOTE: The letters of recommendation may be sent directly to the Foundation by your references themselves, either by post or by email.
Requirements for the audio demo (no videos)
- Three selections with piano accompaniment only
- Two opera arias + one lied or melody from three different eras and/or languages
- Maximum length: 15 minutes
In the submission form on the application portal, clearly identify:
- Name of singer
- Choice of pieces/composers
- Recording date
- Name of pianist
Deadline
Completed application forms, including ALL required materials, must be SUBMITTED VIA THE APPLICATION PORTAL BY THE APPLICATION DEADLINE. Applications received after the deadline will be refused.
Important Note
Once you begin filling up your application in one language, please make sure to continue using the Application Portal in that language.
If you switch to the other language, you will have to fill the forms again.
Thank you for your understanding!
More Information
Please contact info@jacquelinedesmaraisfoundation.ca.
Mailing Address for Reference Letters
Jacqueline Desmarais Foundation
For Young Canadian Opera Singers
759 Square Victoria, Suite 520
Montréal (Québec) H2Y 2J7
Selection of Grant Recipients
1. Preselection on demo
A preselection jury chooses the candidates invited to the final auditions by means of blind auditions based on audio demos.
2. Final auditions
Candidates chosen at the preselection will be called to sing before the final audition jury, which will determine the grant recipients. Approximately twenty candidates will be selected for final auditions. The number of grants awarded varies each year. Singers having to travel from outside of Quebec for auditions will receive a lump-sum amount to help defray their travel costs.
Audition program
- Two opera arias + one lied or melody from three different eras and/or languages
- Candidates must have their own accompanist.
- The audition must not exceed 15 minutes.
Jury members
The jury members are seasoned professionals who have a solid knowledge of the opera world. Their decisions are approved by the Foundation’s Board of Directors. All decisions are final.