Future of Opera Vocal Competition

Presented by Utah Valley Operafest & the UVU Department of Music

The Future of Opera Vocal Competition is dedicated to discovering and nurturing the next generation of operatic talent. Hosted by Utah Valley Operafest in collaboration with the Department of Music at Utah Valley University, this event provides young singers with an opportunity to showcase their voices, receive recognition for their artistry, and gain access to meaningful performance and educational opportunities.

Our goal is simple: identify exceptional young voices and help them take the next step in their musical journey. Through financial awards, professional performance opportunities, training, and possible university scholarships, the competition seeks to support promising singers as they explore the world of classical vocal performance.

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2026 Competition Information

Date: May 7, 2026
Location: NuSkin Recital Hall, Noorda Center for the Performing Arts
Utah Valley University – Orem, Utah

Application Deadline: April 30, 2026

Singers will perform live for a panel of distinguished judges and may invite guests to attend their audition. Exact audition times will be assigned by email prior to the event.

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Eligibility

The competition is open to singers ages 14–19 who have an interest in classical singing and opera.

An extensive background in classical voice is not required. We welcome talented singers from many musical backgrounds, including:

• High school choir students

• Musical theatre performers

• Participants in Solo & Ensemble competitions

• Sterling Scholar candidates

• Students currently studying voice privately

• Singers who are newly discovering classical repertoire

The purpose of the competition is to identify potential and encourage young artists to pursue the operatic tradition.

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Repertoire Requirements

Participants should prepare two classical selections, such as art songs or opera arias.

Requirements:

• One selection must be in a foreign language

• One selection may be in English

• If necessary, one selection may be a golden-age musical theatre song performed in a classical style

Contemporary pop, rock, or belt-style repertoire is not appropriate for this competition.

A professional pianist will be provided, though singers may bring their own accompanist if preferred.

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Prizes and Opportunities

Winners of the competition may receive:

• Cash prizes (up to $2,000)

• Performance opportunities with Utah Valley Operafest

• Training opportunities, including lessons, master classes, and coaching

• Scholarships to study voice at Utah Valley University

• Opportunities to participate in Utah Valley Operafest productions and events

Through these awards, the competition serves as a launching point for young singers interested in pursuing classical vocal study and operatic performance.

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Competition Day Details

• Singers will be assigned a specific audition time prior to the event.

• Semi-formal performance attire is recommended.

• Guests may attend individual auditions but may not remain in the room for other contestants.

Final results will be announced following the completion of the competition.

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Our Mission

Utah Valley Operafest is committed to discovering, training, and empowering the next generation of opera singers, while bringing the beauty of opera to communities throughout Utah Valley and beyond.

The Future of Opera Vocal Competition is one of the ways we identify extraordinary young voices and help them grow into tomorrow’s artists.

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Questions

For questions about the competition, please contact:

utahvalleyoperafest@gmail.com

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Application form:

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Past Winners:

​2025

Anneli Abbott, Skyridge High School

Makenzie Gerlach, American Heritage High School

Crew Durrant, American Heritage High School

Divna Porter, West High School

Sawyer Daniel, Lone Peak High School

Annie Daniel, Lone Peak High School

Abra Mazzeo, Timpview High School

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2024

Joseph Blomberg, senior from Provo High School

Sariah Holmes, senior from Timpview High School

Benjamin Brown, senior from Lone Peak High School

Lindsey Uhl, senior from Provo High School

Hannah Rigby, Wasatch High School

Kaitlyn Kingston, Provo High School

Meghan Delate, Timpview High School

Sadie Cox, Box Elder High School

Sariah Reed, Timpview High School

Emma Zanetti, Rock Springs High School

Emma Matthews, Payson High School 

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