George and Nora London Foundation logo

George London Foundation Competition (Annual Opera Singing Competition)

George and Nora London Foundation

Foundation Annual Grants for MusicGrants for Performing Arts

Funding Amount

$12,000 (George London Awards); $2,000 (George London Encouragement Awards)

Deadline

February 28, 2027

155 days left

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

George London Foundation Competition

Organization: George and Nora London Foundation

Purpose: Annual competition for young American and Canadian opera singers, one of the opera world's oldest and most prestigious competitions.

Geographic Scope: Open to young American and Canadian opera singers

Award Structure:

  • George London Awards: $12,000 each (typically 5-6 winners)

  • George London Encouragement Awards: $2,000 each (typically 4-7 winners)

  • Total awards vary by year (e.g., $74,000 in 2025, $80,000 in 2026)

    • History:

  • Established in 1971

  • 54th competition held in February 2026

  • Over 300 awards given totaling more than $2 million since inception

  • Past winners include Joyce DiDonato, Renée Fleming, Christine Goerke, Ryan Speedo Green, Catherine Malfitano, James Morris, Eric Owens, Dimitri Pittas, Matthew Polenzani, Sondra Radvanovsky, Neil Shicoff, Dawn Upshaw, and Willard White

    • Competition Structure:

  • Semi-final rounds over 3 days

  • Finalists selected from applicants (180+ applicants in recent years)

  • Finals held at prestigious venues (e.g., Merkin Hall at Kaufman Music Center, The Morgan Library & Museum)

  • Each finalist performs one selection

  • Results announced same evening

    • Additional Benefits:

  • Winners invited to participate in recital series for exposure and experience

  • Many winners receive New York recital debuts

  • Access to networking with major opera companies and industry professionals

    • Contact:

  • Address: 157 Columbus Avenue Suite 528, New York, NY 10023

  • Email: info@georgelondon.org

  • Website: georgeandnoralondon.org/competition.html

    • About George London:
    George London (1920-1985) was one of the greatest opera stars of the 20th century, blazing a trail for American singers on the international stage with indelible interpretations of prominent bass-baritone roles. In his later years, he devoted time and energy to supporting and nurturing young singers in partnership with his wife, Nora.

    How to Apply

    Application Process

    Detailed application instructions were not provided in the website content. For complete application details, eligibility requirements, audition procedures, and submission deadlines, contact:

    Contact Information:

  • Email: info@georgelondon.org

  • Phone: (718) 855-7101 (for Jennifer Wada, Communications)

  • Address: 157 Columbus Avenue Suite 528, New York, NY 10023

  • Website: georgeandnoralondon.org/competition.html

    • Known Details:

  • Competition occurs annually (typically in February)

  • Semi-final rounds occur over 3 days

  • Finalists selected from initial applicant pool

  • Each finalist performs one operatic selection

  • Competition is open to young American and Canadian opera singers

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    What George and Nora London Foundation actually gave

    Source: IRS Form 990-PF, 2025

    Grants in 2025
    1
    Total given
    $27K
    Median grant
    $27K
    • By dollars: New York 100%. Top recipient cities: New York, NY.

    Example grants

    • The Juilliard School · New York, NY

      To support the school's scholarship for pre-college students

      $27K

    IRS Form 990-PF, 2025. Amounts as reported by the funder. Full 990 history →

    Focus Areas & Funding Uses

    Fields of Work

    musicperforming-arts

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