Enter Lexus Song Quest

Entering the competition

The 2009 Lexus Song Quest Final Concert was held on Thursday 23 April 2009. Entries are not yet open for the next Lexus Song Quest. Competition dates are to be confirmed.

For further information on the Lexus Song Quest, please contact lexussongquest@festival.co.nz.

The Prizes

The prizes in the Lexus Song Quest reflect the competition's commitment to the development of talented young New Zealand singers. In recognition of the dedication required from these singers to pursue their studies overseas and the costs that are involved in those studies, the Lexus Song Quest prize-winners receive both a cash prize and a Lexus Study Scholarship.

The winner of the 2009 Lexus Song Quest received an immediate net cash prize of $10,000 and a Study Scholarship of $15,000, plus a return economy international airfare.

The runner-up received an immediate net cash prize of $8,000 and a Study Scholarship of $10,000.

The third place-getter received an immediate net cash prize of $5,000 and a Study Scholarship of $5,000.

The remaining three finalists were each awarded $3,500 net.

All Study Scholarships must be taken up within two years of winning the prize.

Entry Form

Please note that the 2009 Lexus Song Quest is closed and competition dates are yet to be confirmed for the next Lexus Song Quest. These documents are supplied as reference only.

2009 Lexus Song Quest Entry form download:

Lexus Song Quest Entry Form.PDF (87 KB)


2009 Lexus Song Quest Conditions of Entry download:
Lexus Song Quest Conditions Of Entry.PDF (44 KB)

Music Preparation

  1. Entrants must prepare a programme of six items for their initial audition.
  2. Entrants' programmes must include:
        a) Two operatic arias
        b) One aria from an oratorio, mass or cantata
        c) One German Lied, French Melodie or European Art Song (e.g. Rachmaninov, Sibelius) in a language other than English
        d) Two items of their own choice (may be from the above categories or an art song, lighter song, ballad etc.)
  3. Entrants' programmes must include three languages, one being English.
  4. All items are to be sung in the original language and key (except for accepted published transpositions of German Lieder, French Melodie and European Art Song).
  5. One aria may be up to seven minutes in length. All other items must not exceed five minutes each. A combination of any three items must not exceed a total of 15 minutes. (Cuts may be necessary and long instrumental preludes or interludes should be omitted.)

Recording guidelines for overseas entries

The recording that accompanies your entry must be of a professional standard. It will reflect your performance in these stages of the Song Quest:

  • for the initial selection of singers who will progress to the semi-final stage,
  • for broadcast on Radio New Zealand Concert if you are selected as a semi-finalist,
  • by the judging panel in selecting the finalists.

The quality of the recording you submit is most important and should accurately represent your voice and performance.

Please consider the following points when arranging your recording:

  • Identify a recording venue with a high quality piano and an acoustic suitable for the music you are recording.
  • Ensure the piano has been tuned before your recording.
  • Ensure your voice is recorded with sufficient presence that words and diction are clear. The recording should also capture bloom and a developed vocal tone.
  • The piano accompaniment is an integral part of your performance. Please ensure it has an appropriate perspective within the recording. It should not mask your voice, nor should it appear distant or disengaged from the performance.
  • Each item should be a recording of a complete performance of that piece. Editing within items is not permitted.
  • If you need help to interpret these guidelines or in making your recording, please seek assistance from a recording professional.