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By Barbara McGuire

Daily Bruin Senior Staff

Though a bathroom shower performance may be the closest most get to experiencing opera music, the art of high chords and long held notes still exists today – without the fat lady to finish off the shows.

Facing as much competition as mainstream artists, opera singers aren’t guaranteed a plush job simply because they have a special talent that they’ve spent their lives fine-tuning. But with the help of world-renowned Plàcido Domingo, the future of young, potentially up-and-coming opera singers doesn’t seem to be headed toward street corner performances.

Domingo’s three-day international opera competition “Operalia 2000,” to be held at Royce Hall beginning Aug. 31, will give 40 contestants the chance to shine and compete for special training during the early stages of their careers.

“Just because you have a good voice doesn’t mean you are going to have a good career,” said Gary Murphy, promoter of the contest.

“The people who come to ‘Operalia,’ in addition to the general public, are major opera professionals from all over the world who are looking for the next stars,” he said.

Domingo created the prestigious competition eight years ago, but “Operalia 2000” is the first of his contests that will be held in the United States – which Domingo said is an old dream of his. Prior “Operalias” have been held in such cities as Hamburg, Tokyo, Buenos Aires and San Juan.

“Contestants are invited to submit audiocassettes to the judging panel in Paris,” Murphy said. “The judging panel will listen to all the cassettes and basically narrow it down to 40 contestants, and then they’ll invite those people to come to ‘Operalia’ to compete.”

According to Murphy, though the careers of these singers, all under 30, may not be that fruitful, they are treated like stars while involved with “Operalia.” Not only are they provided with airfare, hotel stays and travel money, but the winner gets a sizable monetary prize numbered at $175,000.

“Operalia” is, however, about more than just the Benjamins. Executive director of the show, Isabelle De Montaigu said that all the contestants’ expenses are taken care of so that anyone can enter the contest, not just people with money.

Of additional importance is simply the opportunity to star in the show, which is priceless. Domingo created “Operalia” to provide contestants with the chance to gain exposure. All the competitors have the opportunity to walk away with contracts, even if they aren’t the winners.

According to De Montaigu, the chance to work with Domingo is key among the competition’s advantages.

“Plàcido follows the careers of every one of the contestants; he gives them very good advice in terms of their voice and what to sing,” she said. “He supports them.”

Domingo provides guidance for singers in a field that lacks formal mentors.

“That’s the sad thing about trying to be a musician, especially a singer,” wrote Domingo in a letter concerning “Operalia.” “You study medicine, law, business, any of the sciences, and upon graduation you are almost guaranteed some sort of position.”

“In many cases, the universities help in placing the graduates,” continued Domingo. “Not so with singing. You need that ‘break,’ the break of a limelight shining on your talent. The ‘right’ people need to become interested in your career.”

“Operalia 2000” combines different levels of competition, beginning the first two days in which each contestant sings two arias accompanied by a piano. A bar of 11 judges from around the world will choose 20 semi-finalists.

The last day of competition on Sept. 3 will determine the 10 finalists based on their performance of two additional arias with an accompanying piano. The selected finalists will sing one aria with the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra conducted by Domingo himself on Sept. 5.

The competition is tough, but the final prize and publicity is well worth the work. Beside the money, six “Alberto Vilar Awards” will be awarded to the contestants. These awards were named after Vilar in recognition of his tremendous support, as he is the principal sponsor, donating close to $200,000 to “Operalia,” solely because of his love for opera.

In a letter which explains praises “Operalia’s” altruism, Vilar expresses his genuine love for opera and hope for the future of these rising opera stars.

“My great life-long passion for the classical performing arts, especially opera, has led me to become a supporter of the arts around the world – from the Metropolitan Opera House in New York to London’s Royal Opera House to the Kirov Opera and Ballet Company in St. Petersburg,” he said. “But perhaps nothing gives me greater joy than witnessing the birth of an opera career and listening to the breathtaking voices of tomorrow.”

OPERA: “Operalia 2000” will be held at UCLA’s Royce Hall from noon to 4 p.m. on Aug. 31 and Sept., from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sept. 3, and at 7 p.m. on Sept. 5. All tickets are free except for “The Final Contest” on Sept. 5 in which they can be purchased for $25 to $75, with student tickets for $10. Tickets are required and can be obtained by calling the Central Ticket Office at (310) 825-2101, or through Ticketmaster at (310) 365-3500.