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.
Apply for a Singer Development Award
We provide up to $6,000 to help emerging professional artists continue their training.
Meet Our 2023 Award Winners!
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
Meet Our 2022 Award Winners!
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
Meet Our 2021 Award Winners!
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
