Syllabus 2026

Table of Contents

Donate - Sponsor Mission Statement EDI Statement Land Acknowledgement

Rules & Regulations

Committee Members & Management Eligibility Repertoire Entry Deadline & Fees Festival Procedure & Recording Rules Awards & Scholarships OMFA Provincials

Classical Voice Categories

Vocal Solo - Art Song Before 1750 Vocal Solo - Art Song 1750 to present Vocal Solo - Art Song – Any Year - Junior Vocal Solo - Classical Opera Vocal Solo - Grand Opera Classical Opera - Duet,Trio,Quartet Grand Opera - Duet,Trio,Quartet Vocal Solo - Operetta Vocal Solo - Oratorio Vocal Solo - Foreign Language Solo Vocal Solo - English Sacred Song Vocal Solo - Foreign Language Sacred Song Sacred Duet, Trio Quartet - Any Language Vocal Solo - Spirituals Vocal Solo - Canadian Composer Vocal Solo - Traditional Folk Song Vocal Solo - Concert Group Vocal Solo - Vocalises Vocal Solo - Songs By Unpublished Composers Vocal Solo With Obbligato Instrument Vocal Duet With Obbligato Instrument Master Class - Classical Solo Senior Vocal Scholarship ($1000)

Novice Classes

Mature Singer

Musical Theatre Categories

Vocal Solo - Contemporary Musical Theatre – Ballad (1975 To Present) Vocal Solo - Contemporary Musical Theatre – Up Tempo (1975 To Present) Vocal Solo - Golden Age Musical Theatre – Ballad (1943-1974) Vocal Solo - Golden Age Musical Theatre – Up Tempo (1943-1974) Vocal Duets – Musical Theatre Master Class - Musical Theatre

Songs from the Screen and More

Vocal Duets and Small Ensembles

Vocal Duets - Own Choice Vocal Trio - Own Choice Vocal Quartet- Own Choice

Popular Voice Categories

Ballad - Any Year Up Tempo - Any Year Duets - Any Year Jazz or Blues Solo Vocal Solo with Self-Accompaniment Popular Voice Master Class

Speech Arts & Drama Categories

Monologue from Movie, T.V. or Musical Monologue Other Than Shakespeare - Solo Shakespeare Monologue - Solo Lyric Poetry - Solo Narrative poetry - Solo Humorous Poetry - Solo Canadian Poetry - Solo Original Poetry - Solo Slam Poetry - Solo Prose - Solo Storytelling - Solo Public Speaking - Solo Mime - Solo Dramatic Duologue Choral Speech - Group Speech Arts & Drama Master Class

28th Annual Newmarket Voice Festival Syllabus

22. Following the closing date for entries, the Festival Committee shall decide the order in which classes will take place and reserves the right to alter the order if necessary.
23. The Festival reserves the right to divide any class into two or more classes under circumstances where the number of entries justifies such a division.
24. The Festival reserves the right to substitute or appoint additional adjudicators.
25. The Festival reserves the right to disqualify any participant who is not ready to perform when called. Disqualification means that no marks or awards will be given. An adjudication may be given at the adjudicator’s discretion.
26. Accompanist requirements are the responsibility of the performer. No recordings or backtracks are allowed, except in the case of Popular Music classes. Program order will not be changed to accommodate accompanists.
27. All classes are open to the public.
28. The NVF does not provide refunds for ANY reason, including inclement weather
29. The Adjudicator’s decisions are final. No participant may approach the adjudicator. This may result in disqualification. No teacher or member of the public may speak to or correspond with the adjudicator. Necessary questions from the participant must be directed to the Hall Secretary. This is not intended to prevent the adjudicator from initiating conversation as may be required at times during adjudication.
30. Participants are not allowed to rehearse in the building prior to or during the Festival. Warm-up space is not available at the site so please make other arrangements and plan accordingly.
31. No one should enter or exit the Auditorium while a performer is singing. Please do so ONLY during applause or in between classes.
32. All cell phones and pagers must be turned OFF or turned to silent mode.
33. The Festival will not be responsible for the loss or damage to personal property.

34. Videotaping and/or recording performances is strongly discouraged to protect the concentration of the performer and the adjudicator.
    EXCEPTION: For those who plan to enter virtual classes at the OMFA Provincial Finals should they be recommended by the adjudicator. Parent can only record their own child and the following rules apply:
1. All users of any cameras/cell phones and/or camcorders must not advance further forward than the adjudicator. The festival will provide a designated area or chair for one parent for such purposes.
2. The use of flash or lighting is forbidden during the performance. There must be no noise or movement by the operator during the performance.
3. All equipment must be SILENT.
4. ABSOLUTELY NO photography or videotaping is allowed of other participants or of the adjudicator.
These rules are designed to protect the concentration of the performer and the adjudicator. These rules also apply to any other behaviour that might adversely affect concentration. Anyone who may detract from a performance or adjudication, or who in any way is disruptive, will be asked to leave.
35. Questions not dealt with in these rules shall be referred to the Committee whose decision on such matters shall be final and binding on all concerned. All written requests for clarification should be sent to the Festival Director at newmarketvoicefestival@gmail.com Where there may be a reason to treat the matter urgently, a written request may be given to the Hall Secretary.

Awards & Scholarships