Ensaio Aberto

The Bidu Sayão Contest will be held in May 2008 in yet another tribute the biggest ever proponent of Brazilian Bel Canto. Bidu Sayão was born on May 11, 1902.

The creation of the contest in 1999 represented the first steps for an initiative that was to grow and that, now in its eighth year, continues to reveal both Brazilian and international talents, without ever losing sight of the source of its inspiration.

Bidu Sayão, whose talent was unparalleled, made her debut in the Theatro Municipal do Rio de Janeiro at the age of 18, against the will of her parents, who did not want their daughter to follow a career in the arts.

If social and family pressure prevented the development of artists in the past, today those aspiring to this vocation today need to overcome other obstacles.

After this beginning, Bidu Sayão, a permanent inspiration in the field, studied and sang for 16 years in a number of places around the world, gaining recognition and fame, until  her 1936 debut in the United States, which truly consolidated her star status.

A native of Rio de Janeiro, Bidu Sayão studied hard throughout her career, facing enormous challenges and refusing to be intimidated by the difficulties of living abroad, dealing with new cultures, new languages and constant change. She dedicated her life to opera.

Today, many singers are attempting to make their way in this field. Opportunities may arise whenever the singer is heard by the right people. This may involve auditions for agents, the artistic directors of theaters and other professionals who are in a position to provide support.

This is the concept behind relevant Vocal Contests, the main objectives of which are to promote young talents, provide opportunities for learning and exchanging experiences and, ideally,  opportunities for work.

For talented young singers with potential, contests are fundamental as a means of maturing. More than just concentrating on the music, the text and the interpretation, the singer is challenged to deal with his or her own emotions, fears and anxieties. Having overcome these barriers, a large part of their problems will be solved. The major contests are important instruments that permit the singer to survive these complex pressures.

This is one of the reasons why contests differ from each other and why some gain stature relevance over time. In the serious one, the contestants know they will be judged impartially, according to objective criteria.

In the Bidu Sayão Contest, we propose to encourage candidates with talent and the potential for development, irrespective of their origin, attempting to create conditions whereby presentations become part of a natural growth process.

The jury consists of professionals with relevant experience, preferably involved in opera or orchestras, who are familiar with international parameters and criteria and who are able to contribute to a better, fairer and more professional final decision.

As we launch the eighth edition of the Bidu Sayão International Vocal Contest, we are convinced that we still have a long way to go and that the singer who has given her name to the initiative continues to be a permanent reference.

 

Cleber Papa
Bidu Sayão International Vocal Contest
President