Product Details

• Actors: Alek Shrader, Michael Fabiano, Angela Meade, Matthew Plenk, Jamie Barton
• Directors: Susan Froemke
• Producers: Peter Gelb, The Metropolitan Opera
• Format: Color, NTSC, DTS Surround Sound
• Region: All Regions
• Aspect Ratio: 1.77:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Studio: The Metropolitan Opera
• Run Time: 157 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (25 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B002V0BAJC
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #15,011 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

The Audition, directed by award-winning filmmaker Susan Froemke, looks at the intense pressures young opera singers face as they struggle to succeed in one of the most difficult professions in the performing arts. The feature-length documentary takes you behind the curtain at the Metropolitan Opera's National Council Auditions, where each year thousands of hopefuls face their fears and compete for a cash prize, the chance to sing on the Met stage - and the opportunity to launch a major operatic career. Running Time: 157 min. Bonus Features: - Renée Fleming hosts a discussion with fellow National Council winners Susan Graham and Thomas Hampson - Audition for the Met: 2007 Southwest Region Competition

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wow. Not just the voices, but the film., January 21, 2010

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S. McGee (New York, NY) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Audition (DVD)

Opera is an aging art form, as Met Opera honcho Peter Gelb points out to the successful candidates for the 2007 National Council Finals. And yet, in this riveting documentary, nearly a dozen men and women, most of whom are under the age of 30, have committed their lives to singing repertoire that is deeply out of fashion with most of their peers. And they do it -- peerlessly. It's a glimpse behind the scenes, literally, to the years of training that they have undergone and the 10 minutes or so they will have on stage that will make them or (possibly) break them. There's an African American from Texas, who's had the bailiffs show up at his door; an Icelandic singer who's a star at home and wants an international career; and a guy from New Jersey, whose ambition radiates from him with the same manic intensity that his voice projects audibly. (As one judge later says, he'll either be great, or he'll be dead.) The music never overwhelms the characters (or vice versa) and the viewer is treated to lots of insight into what makes a good opera singer better, from breathing to dramatic technique. Then there's the competition... It's impossible not to root for your favorite singers in this. Watching this has convinced me to buy a ticket to the 'real thing' this year.

Highly recommended to anyone with an interest of any kind in music, or even someone who just likes great documentaries.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a great glimpse of the classical singer's life of competition, December 15, 2009

By 

Linncrow "opera mom" (Iowa) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: The Audition (DVD)

We thoroughly enjoyed this documentary on the best young opera stars of tomorrow.
A great behind the curtains look at how these people handle critisism, nerves, rejection and success. The comments from judges and professionals are invaluable in giving young singers a taste of what it takes to be a good singer and rise above the others.

The bonus sections are wonderful also! The Kansas City competition is even more informative and entertaining than the movie itself!
Renee Fleming's discussion with 2 other seasoned veterans is also a helpful insight.

If you have a kid or are a young adult who aspires to sing professional classical or opera, this is a must have in your understanding of how the road to success begins.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The REAL American Idol Auditions, January 24, 2010

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Arizona Catlover "Catgoddess" (Arizona) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: The Audition (DVD)

A wonderful look at the auditions that take place every year, the National Council auditions, for young, hopeful aspiring opera stars. Who knew how much money and incredible effort goes into the dreams of becoming a star with the Met, or (at the very least) other nationally recognized opera companies? The heartbreak surrounding the circumstances of one male performer moved me to tears. A purchase I am happy I made to share with friends who enjoy knowing about truly heroic efforts to "make the grade" in this rarified air of the Metropolitan Opera.