Igor Gorin Memorial Award Grant

The Igor Gorin Memorial Award, established in 1993 by the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona, honors the legacy of Igor Gorin by supporting aspiring vocalists. With $382,000 awarded to 49 young talents, this fund provides unrestricted financial assistance for coaching, travel, and auditions. The 2026 award offers up to $12,000, aimed at those overcoming financial barriers to pursue operatic careers, ensuring that exceptional vocalists can thrive in their artistic journeys.

Igor never forgot his early struggles to survive and launch his career; consequently, his family established this award at the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona as a fitting way to honor his memory by providing opportunities for aspiring vocalists.
Since 1993, the Igor Gorin Memorial Award has awarded $382,000 to help 49 individual young vocalists at the start of their operatic career. Igor never forgot his early struggles to survive and launch his career; consequently, his family established this award at the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona as a fitting way to honor his memory in providing opportunities for aspiring vocalists.
For gifted vocalists poised to begin successful careers, flying from city to city to audition, and hiring accompanists and coaches is expensive. The award money is unrestricted and may be used for coaching, travel, clothing, living costs, and audition expenses.
Funding
The 2026 award is up to $12,000 at the discretion of the adjudicating committee.

Eligibility

To apply for the Igor Gorin Memorial Award, applicants must meet one of the following criteria:Finalists and Winner of the Metropolitan Opera National Council Western Region DISTRICT Auditions held in Arizona, Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco between 2020 and 2024.Current students and Alumni of the Merola Opera Program or an Adler Fellow of the San Francisco Opera Center between 2020 and 2024.Current students and Alumni of the LA Opera’s Domingo-Colburn-Stein Young Artist Program between 2020 and 2024.Marion Roose Pullin Studio Artists Program at the Arizona Opera.