The purpose of the Esther and Myron Wilson Vocal Competition at Cedar Rapids Opera is to encourage, recognize, and reward exceptional operatic singing. Nine singers will be invited to Cedar Rapids to compete in the Semi-final and Final rounds on August 31, 2024. All nine singers who complete the Semi-final and Final rounds will be awarded one of the nine available prizes. This competition is meant to celebrate the talents and achievements of the future of opera!

The mission of the Cedar Rapids Opera is to advance opera as a vital, living American art form and to develop the artists who create it, as well as the audience that appreciates and supports it.

The Semi-final and Final rounds will be adjudicated by: Steven White, Julia Faulkner, and Peter Randsman.

Over $50,000 in prizes!

All nine singers who complete the in-person rounds be awarded one of the following nine prizes:

First Prize: $20,000

Second Prize: $12,000

Third Prize: $6,000

Fourth Prize: $4,000

Fifth Prize: $2,000

Audience Musical Theater Favorite: $1,750 (cannot be one of the 1-5 prize winners)

Runner Up: $1,500

Runner Up: $1,500

Runner Up: $1,500

Monetary prizes will be awarded immediately following the final round at the award ceremony on August 31, 2024. Taxes will be deducted according to United States tax law.

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