Singers’ Development Awards

The Guild nurtures new opera talent. Each year after public auditions we present Development Awards. Our Previews offer invaluable performance experience.

In addition, we support Metropolitan Opera National Council’s District Auditions, which open incredible opportunities for young talent.

The 2024 Singers’ Development Award Finals were held in Tagney Jones Hall on Friday, May 31. There were seven finalists who were accompanied by David McDade, Principal Accompanist of Seattle Opera. This year’s judges were Mitchell Kahn, General and Artistic Director of Pacific Opera Northwest, Allison Pohl, Artistic Director of Vashon Opera and Susan Payne O’Brien, Founding Director of Forte Chicago.

• 1st Place (tie): Malinda Wagstaff and Stephanie Pfundt
• 3rd Place: Rosamund Dyer
• Suzy Mygatt Wakefield Encouragement Award: Marissa Moultrie

On Tuesday, June 27 on a beautiful, sunny afternoon, the Seattle Opera Guild held its annual vocal competition in Tagney-Jones Hall at the Opera Center, graciously provided by Seattle Opera. After carefully deliberating, the judges, (Dr. Mitchell Kahn, Artistic and General Director, Pacific Northwest Opera; Regina Thomas, Founder and Artistic Director of the Puget Sound Concert Opera; and Jennifer Krikawa, Co-founder and Artistic Director of Vashon Opera) chose the winners. Left to right: Malinda Wagstaff, Theodora Cotterel, Hallie Schmidt with accompanist David McDade

• First Place: Hallie Schmidt, soprano
• Second Place: Theodora Cotterel, soprano
• Third Place: Malinda Wagstaff, soprano

On May 24, 2022, the Seattle Opera Guild held its annual Singers’ Development Awards in the Tagney-Jones Hall at the Opera Center. The performances were marvelous, and the audience so appreciative! After carefully deliberating, the judges, Jennifer Krikawa, James Brown, and Charles Robert Stephens chose the winners. Left to right: Elizabeth Feeney, Stacey Mastrian, Heidi Vanderford, Michaella Cipriani, Hugh Davis.

• First Place: Michaella Cipriani, soprano
• Second Place: Hugh Davis, baritone
• Third Place: Heidi Vanderford, mezzo-soprano
• Suzy and Jay Wakefield Encouragement Award: Stacey Mastrian, soprano
• Ernesto Alorda Encouragement Award: Elizabeth Feeney, mezzo-soprano

The Singers’ Development Awards final auditions were held on September 16, 2021 at the Opera Center’s Tagney Jones Hall with nine contestants. Left to right: Lauren Kulusa, Sophia Emanuel, Grace Skinner, Aria Manning, Austin Allen.

• First Place: Grace Skinner, mezzo-soprano
• Second Place: Aria Manning, soprano
• Third Place: Austin Allen, bass-baritone
• Ernesto Alorda Encouragement Award: Sophia Emanuel, soprano
• Cheryl Lundgren Encouragement Award: Lauren Kulesa