The Rhode Island Civic Chorale & Orchestra invites college and university students from Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Connecticut to compete in its 9th Annual Collegiate Vocal Competition on October 22.

This year, four winners in the categories of Soprano, Mezzo-soprano (or Alto), Tenor and Baritone (or Bass) will appear as soloists with the Rhode Island Civic Chorale & Orchestra in its March 25, 2017 concert, featuring works by Roger Cichy, Mozart and Haydn. The winning soloists will join RICCO in performing Joseph Haydn's Mass in Time of War.

In addition to the opportunity of appearing as soloist with the Rhode Island Civic Chorale & Orchestra, each of the winners will receive remuneration of $200, and be included in all publicity for the concert.

The competition will take place on Saturday, October 22 between 1:30 and 5 p.m. at the Music Mansion, 88 Meeting Street in Providence. An accompanist will be provided. Entrants should come prepared to sing an aria or art song of his or her choosing.

The entrant must be enrolled as a student at an institution of higher education (R.I., Mass., Conn.) at the time of the audition and must be recommended by a teacher at his/her school. The adjudicators are three of New England's most respected singers who have appeared on numerous occasions as soloists with the Chorale.

A $38 entry fee in the form of a check made payable to RICCO should accompany the application form, which is due by October 17. Applications may also be emailed to info@ricco.org with payment being made via PayPal.