Baltimore Symphony Orchestra Announces Third Annual “O, Say Can You Sing?” Competition

Winner to perform national anthem with BSO at Oregon Ridge

Baltimore, Md. (April 12, 2010)—“O, Say Can You Sing” the national anthem with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra? Capitalizing on "American Idol’s" appeal among local tweens and teens, the BSO announces its third annual singing competition, “O, Say Can You Sing?” Contestants will vie for the chance to sing the national anthem alongside the BSO in front of thousands at the BSO’s annual Star-Spangled Spectacular concerts held at Oregon Ridge Park, July 3-4. The competition is open to singers age 8 to 18. Auditions will take place by appointment only on Monday, May 10 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall. See below for registration and audition instructions.

EDITOR’S NOTE: The BSO’s complete schedule of summer programming will be announced at the end of April. Tickets will be available for purchase at that time.

Last season, more than 60 contestants auditioned for the chance to sing the national anthem alongside the BSO. Eight-year-old Adalia Jimenez and 15-year-old Baltimore School for the Arts student Tariq Al-Sabir snagged the coveted positions. These gifted youngsters not only performed with the BSO, but were also featured on several local TV and radio programs. The BSO invites another crop of talented singers age 8 to 18 to audition on Monday, May 10 for this prestigious opportunity. Reagan Warfield from the 106.5 FM JoJo, Reagan and the Mix Morning Show will serve as celebrity judge alongside BSO staff members and local vocal experts.

CONTEST DETAILS: Auditions will take place by appointment only on Monday, May 10 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall. Parental permission will be required of all contestants under the age of 18. Audition times will be distributed on a “first come, first served” basis. The competition is open to singers age 8 to 18. Contestants must be able to sing the “Star-Spangled Banner” in the key of B-flat or A-flat major along with an accompanist provided by the BSO. Contestants will be judged on singing ability and stage presence.

To register, visit BSOmusic.org by 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, May 6, 2010 to download a waiver form which is required to audition and fill in online registration form.