2026 Syllabus - Voice - Classical
One of the classical selections must have been performed at the Local Festival, received a minimum mark of 85, and the recommendation of the local Adjudicator.
Selections must be musically contrasting. The Adjudicator will take the choice of repertoire into consideration. Competitors will be judged on their choice of selections, interpretation, contrasting tempi, style, diction, language, vocal quality and age appropriateness.
The Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) or Conservatory Canada (CC) syllabi may be used as guidelines for repertoire selections, but competitors are not limited to these lists. Repertoire is the competitor's choice but must be classical (eg. traditional folk song, art song, etc.)
Beginner, Primary, Elementary and Junior Levels may only perform selections from folk songs or art songs.
At the Intermediate level, competitors may perform two (2) classical songs that were performed at the Local Festival, but only one (1) of these songs may be a Baroque or Mozart aria.
Competitors in Beginner to Junior levels are allowed to choose from the art song and folk song repertoire only.
Competitors in Intermediate levels will be allowed to perform ONE Baroque or Mozart aria suitable for young developing voices, as a selection.
Senior and Advanced levels may choose ONE operatic OR ONE operetta aria from any era as ONE of their selections.
Competitors are encouraged to choose contrasting selections.
All selections will be screened by the Classical Voice committee and competitors are encouraged to submit repertoire selections in advance of registration to the OMFA office.
Competitors are allowed to transpose their selections to suit their voice range.
If choosing repertoire from a syllabus list, selections can be at the same grade level or at different grade levels.
Selections from the RCM Popular Selection List and the CC Idioms lists are not permitted, including musical theatre, and popular (contemporary) selections – this includes selections from RCM List C for Levels 1-7 and RCM List D for Levels 7-10.
Competitors may use one song from a song cycle as one selection, but may not use another song from the same cycle as an additional selection (eg. Fetes Galantes, Die Schone Mullerin, I Hate Music)
Accompaniment must be by acoustic piano only. Unless a selection is specifically written to be unaccompanied it must have accompaniment or the submission will be for adjudication only.
If you require a collaborative pianist (accompanist), the pianists on this list (click omfa.ca/collaborative-pianists-accompanists) have indicated that they are willing to play for the festival. It is the competitor's responsibility to contact the collaborative pianist directly and negotiate a fee for their service.
General Rules
All competitors must be an amateur. Please click here for the full definition of Amateur vs Professional: omfa.ca/amateur-vs-professional
No announcement of name or selection is permitted prior to your performance.
Live Festival - originals must be provided at the time of registration.
Virtual Festival - a pdf of the music must be uploaded at the time of registration.
It is important to note that if the Festival office has to contact you because of incomplete information (i.e. missing movements, pieces at the wrong grade level, etc.) will result in an additional $25 charge. Failure to pay the charge will result in disqualification and refunds will not be given.
All criteria listed in the OMFA General Rules (omfa.ca/festival/rules-and-regulations) must be strictly adhered to.
****All of the requirements for video submissions are detailed in the red Virtual Submission Requirements button.****
Classical Voice - Duets and Trios
| Class | Virtual | |
|---|---|---|
| Class:18201 - Classical Voice - Duets and Trios - Beginner Level - Ages 6-8 Competitors may only perform one (1) classical song that was performed at the Local Festival. Competitors must enter the class corresponding to the age of the oldest member of the duet/trio. Memorization is required. Time Limit: Five (5) minutes | Virtual:$100.00 | Register |
| Class:18202 - Classical Voice - Duets and Trios - Primary Level - Ages 9-10 Competitors may only perform one (1) classical song that was performed at the Local Festival. Competitors must enter the class corresponding to the age of the oldest member of the duet/trio. Memorization is required. Time Limit: Five (5) minutes | Virtual:$100.00 | Register |
| Class:18203 - Classical Voice - Duets and Trios - Elementary Level - Ages 11-12 Competitors may only perform one (1) classical song that was performed at the Local Festival. Competitors must enter the class corresponding to the age of the oldest member of the duet/trio. Memorization is required. Time Limit: Five (5) minutes | Virtual:$100.00 | Register |
| Class:18204 - Classical Voice - Duets and Trios - Junior Level - Ages 13-14 Competitors may only perform one (1) classical song that was performed at the Local Festival. Competitors must enter the class corresponding to the age of the oldest member of the duet/trio. Memorization is required. Time Limit: Eight (8) minutes | Virtual:$100.00 | Register |
| Class:18205 - Classical Voice - Duets and Trios - Intermediate Level - Ages 15-16 Competitors may only perform one (1) classical song that was performed at the Local Festival. Competitors must enter the class corresponding to the age of the oldest member of the duet/trio. Memorization is required. Time Limit: Ten (10) minutes | Virtual:$100.00 | Register |
| Class:18206 - Classical Voice - Duets and Trios - Senior Level - Ages 17-18 Competitors may only perform one (1) classical song that was performed at the Local Festival. Competitors must enter the class corresponding to the age of the oldest member of the duet/trio. Memorization is required. Time Limit: Ten (10) minutes | Virtual:$100.00 | Register |
| Class:18207 - Classical Voice - Duets and Trios - Advanced Level - Ages 19-28 Competitors may only perform one (1) classical song that was performed at the Local Festival. Competitors must enter the class corresponding to the age of the oldest member of the duet/trio. Memorization is required. Time Limit: Ten (10) minutes | Virtual:$100.00 | Register |
| Class:18208 - Classical Voice - Duets and Trios - Adults - Ages 29 and Above Competitors may only perform one (1) classical song that was performed at the Local Festival. For the purpose of this competition: Memorization is required. Time Limit: Eight (8) minutes | Virtual:$100.00 | Register |
| Class:18209 - Classical Voice - Duets and Trios - Adult and Child Competitors may only perform one (1) classical song that was performed at the Local Festival. Competitors must enter the class corresponding to the age of the oldest member of the duet/trio. For the purpose of this competition: Memorization is required. Time Limit: Eight (8) minutes | Virtual:$100.00 | Register |