25 Top Audition Songs for Classical Singers [With Videos]

As a classical singer, you have a variety of things you might be auditioning for, from young artist programs (also known as YAPs) and vocal contests to gigs at restaurants or on cruise ships! There are a few things to consider for each situation, so here is a helpful list of tips, as well as the top classical audition songs for sopranos, tenors, mezzos, and baritones!

You can also jump ahead using these links:

• Classical Audition Songs for a Young Artist Program
• Classical Audition Songs for Cruise Ships & Other Gigs
• Classical Audition Songs for Competitions
• Classical Audition Songs for Opera Companies
• Classical Audition Songs for Undergraduate/Graduate Programs

Top Classical Audition Songs

For a Young Artist Program Audition:

It’s essential that every fach (operatic voice type) has a solid aria in English. Almost every program will ask for one, so below are some good repertoire options to consider.

For soprano:

• “Laurie’s Song” from Aaron Copland’s “The Tender Land”
  This is a beautiful aria to show off a young lyric soprano!

For mezzo:

• “Must the Winter Come So Soon?” from Samuel Barber’s “Vanessa”
  This song is short, has a gorgeous line, and is age appropriate. This is exactly the sort of thing a singer needs for a Young Artist Program.

For tenor:

• “Lonely House” from “Street Scene” by Kurt Weill
  This is another aria that is age appropriate. And for lyric tenors, this will show you off like nothing else, both vocally and dramatically.

For baritone:

• “Warm as the Autumn Light” from Douglas Moore’s “The Ballad of Baby Doe”
  This song has a soaring vocal line to show off your strong middle voice! At just under three minutes, this is another perfect choice for an audition song.

For Cruise Ships, Parties, or Restaurant Auditions:

For these types of auditions, you should consider the “party hits” of classical music! This can include some Italian folk songs that can be sung by any voice type. You’ll want to choose melodies that people that aren’t opera buffs know and love.

For soprano:

• “Musetta’s Waltz” from Puccini’s “La Boheme”
  Everyone knows this one! It’s happy, super familiar, and shows off your killer high notes!

Another winner for a soprano is “O mio babbino caro” from another Puccini opera, “Gianni Schicchi”. All sopranos can sing this one. Just be careful not to drag the tempo; it’s actually meant to be a humorous aria!

For mezzo:

• “Habanera” from “Carmen”
  You can’t go wrong with “Carmen”, and this one in particular is flirtatious and fun.

For tenor:

• “Nessun Dorma” from Puccini’s “Turandot”
  Yes, it’s the tenor anthem. But needless to say, you must have serious technique and power to make this one work. If you can nail this one, the job is likely yours!

If you want something a little more lighthearted but still a big hit, there is always Verdi’s “La donna e mobile” from “Rigoletto”. Everyone knows and adores this one!

For baritone:

• “Largo al factotum” from Rossini’s “Barber of Seville”
  This is a great choice for a classical audition song if you want to draw in a non-opera crowd. Most people will recognize this one, and you can show off your amazing vocal agility and comedic chops.

Another hit from “Carmen” is the beloved “Toreador Song”. How can a baritone not have fun with this classic?

For any voice:

• “O Sole Mio” (Italian standard)
  This cheerful folk tune is yet another song people know and love. It can be sung in various keys if you’re a mezzo or baritone.

Another great Italian folk song is “Funiculi Funicula”. Tenors especially will love this one because of the ringing high notes, but don’t let that hold you back if you’re another voice type!

For Vocal Competitions:

If you’re selecting classical audition songs for a vocal competition, I recommend repertoire in different languages besides the standard Italian, French, German, and English. This will be sure to impress the panel!

For soprano:

• “Song to the Moon” from Dvořák’s “Rusalka”