Sarasota Opera is pleased to host the finals for Schmidt Vocal Arts (SVA) second annual national Schmidt Vocal Competition at Sarasota Opera House June 2-4, 2023. The top three winners from each of 14 regional competitions will compete for a $10,000 first prize. Six Floridians have qualified after competing in four different regional locations. Distinguished judges for this competition are soprano Alyson Cambridge, Detroit Opera Associate Artistic Director/soprano Christine Goerke, and Cincinnati Opera Artistic Director Evans Mirageas. Tickets are available to various events of the Schmidt Vocal Competition on June 3 for $15 (Students: $10) and on June 4 for $25 (Students: $10) at SarasotaOpera.org or (941) 328-1300. Visit SarasotaOpera.org for more information. Funded by the William E. Schmidt Foundation, the Schmidt Vocal Competition is an annual event for U.S. high school students that sees 400+ singers compete each year – this season for more than $650K in cash awards and scholarships – just at the critical point in their early careers when they begin to look toward training on a professional level. Listen to 2022 National. Adjudicator soprano Tamara Wilson speak about the importance of competitions here. SVA’s support and resources continue long after the competition. The prize-winners are eligible for need-based scholarships to support their continued study at the university level, and SVA continues to have relationships with many alumni throughout their careers, providing educational, mentoring, and networking opportunities as well as grants for summer study.

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