National Voice Competition

Young Patronesses of the Opera hosts a nationally renowned voice competition in partnership with Florida Grand Opera, now in its 30th year (as of 2019). The competition showcases young opera singers from around the country competing for prize money to further their careers in grand opera.

Geographic Scope: National

Eligibility:

• Two age categories: Senior Young Artist (age 26-30) and Junior Young Artist (age 20-25)
• Singers must be invited to participate; 34 singers were invited for the 30th competition with 10 finalists selected

Award Categories and Prize Money:

• Senior Young Artist 1st Prize: $10,000
• Senior Young Artist 2nd Prize: $6,000
• Jacquelin Major Memorial Award (Mezzo-Soprano): $4,000
• Louise Peckham Todaro Memorial Award: $3,000
• Charlette Seidel Honorable Mention Award: $1,000
• Junior Young Artist 1st Prize: $7,500
• Judy George Junior Young Artist 2nd Prize: $5,000
• William S. Reese Memorial Award: $3,000
• Renee and Marvin Fink Memorial Award: $2,500
• IBERIABANK Award: $1,500
• Irene Patti Swartz Hammond Memorial Award to a Soprano: $1,000
• Audience Favorite Award: $1,000
• Semifinalist stipend (non-finalists): $300 each

Format: Ten finalists perform from the opera repertoire with piano accompaniment in a concert in front of an audience and a panel of professional judges from major opera companies. Judging panel includes professionals from companies such as Lyric Opera of Chicago, Florida Grand Opera, Pittsburgh Opera, and Houston Grand Opera.

History: Currently run by YPO members Lucie Spieler, Charlette Seidel, and Danielle Krause.

Venue: Held at Miami Beach's Colony Theatre (as of 30th competition in 2019)

Organization Contact: Young Patronesses of the Opera, 1501 Biscayne Blvd, Suite 210, Miami FL 33132