MIOpera Vocal Competition

05/21/2026

2026 MIOpera International Vocal Competition UPDATE!
We are currently in the process of judging. Semifinalists will not be announced tomorrow. We will be updating the timeline once we are through all applications. Thank you for your patience! The talent this year is highly competitive and we look forward to announcing the semifinalists and finalists in the upcoming weeks! Everyone who applied will receive an email soon!
Thank you, 2026 MIOpera International Vocal Competition Team

05/13/2026

TWO MORE DAYS TO APPLY!
Go to the website for details: https://www.miopera.net/2026-competition-details
Our 2026 MIOpera International MIOpera Vocal Competition Deadline has been extended.
2026 MIOPERA INTERNATIONAL VOCAL COMPETITION
ALL DEADLINES EXTENDED UNTIL MAY 15, 2026
COMPETITION IS NOW ONLY ONLINE.
DUE TO RECENT TRAVEL ISSUES, WE HAVE DECIDED TO FOREGO THE CONCERT IN THE EMERGING ARTIST DIVISION THIS COMPETITION CYCLE.
THE FINAL APPLICATION DUE DATE IS FRIDAY MAY 15. APPLICATIONS OPEN! APPLY NOW!

In 2019 MIOpera held its inaugural vocal competition to recognize, encourage, and financially support exceptional emerging operatic talent.

03/30/2026

Go to the website for details: https://www.miopera.net/2026-competition-details
Our 2026 MIOpera International MIOpera Vocal Competition Deadline has been extended.
2026 MIOPERA INTERNATIONAL VOCAL COMPETITION
ALL DEADLINES EXTENDED UNTIL MAY 15, 2026
COMPETITION IS NOW ONLY ONLINE.
DUE TO RECENT TRAVEL ISSUES, WE HAVE DECIDED TO FOREGO THE CONCERT IN THE EMERGING ARTIST DIVISION THIS COMPETITION CYCLE.
THE FINAL APPLICATION DUE DATE IS FRIDAY MAY 15. APPLICATIONS OPEN! APPLY NOW!

03/18/2026

In 2019 MIOpera held its inaugural vocal competition to recognize, encourage, and financially support exceptional emerging operatic talent.

02/17/2026

2025 MIOpera International Vocal Competition
2nd Place Winner Update!
Laura Sanders, soprano
Congratulations!

Links to most events will be shared both on social media and on my website, lauracorinasanders.com
🏅Over the last month and a half, I participated in three competitions and was fortunate enough to come away with two prizes!
🍻In a couple of weeks, I'll be singing with Opera on Tap DC Metro for the first time in a *Free* concert at The Wonderland Ballroom (DC friends, come have a drink and listen to me sing a couple of songs on February 26th)
🎭💔IIn April, I will be returning to Opera Baltimore (I performed here way back in 2019 when it was still Baltimore Concert Opera!) covering the role of Yniold in Debussy's Pelléas et Mélisande, with a performance on April 21st
🎶I will be back in Houston in May, performing a series of songs by Rachmaninoff and Messaien in a beautiful concert entitled The Soul's Ascent, as programmed by Daniel Knaggs for Cor Mundi
🧚‍♀️Finally, I am thrilled to return to my Gilbert and Sullivan roots in my absolute favorite G&S Opera, Iolanthe!! Young Victorian Theatre Company
Photo Credit to Dan Seagull from the competition at Opera Birmingham

02/09/2026

2026 Applications for the MIOpera International Vocal Competition are now OPEN! Two divisions: Emerging Artist/Professional and University/College. NO AGE LIMIT!

In 2019 MIOpera held its inaugural vocal competition to recognize, encourage, and financially support exceptional emerging operatic talent.

02/07/2026

Announcement!
Applications for this year's 2026 MIOpera International Vocal Competition will go live on Monday February 9th, we are sorry for the delay. A new timeline for the competition will be posted at that time as well.

01/16/2026

12/05/2025

Stay tuned! 2026 Applications will be posted by December 15th! Looking forward to hearing some amazing voices! Good luck!

12/02/2025

A Message from our Tracy Koch, MIOpera Artistic Director
December 1, 2025
The Grand Finale! The December End of the Year Giving Campaign has begun! Everyday we will post about our amazing past year of musical triumphs and successes! We will introduce you to our amazing cast and production of Amahl and the Night Visitors and tell you more about the amazing things MIOpera is doing and has done for the Central Illinois Arts Community!

As 2025 comes to a close, we are asking you to please include MIOpera in your holiday giving. Our 2026 Season can only happen with your financial support!! We are looking to raise $5000.00 or more between now and January 1st so that we are able to begin the new year on a high note! Without you, there would be no MIOpera, as you are the true stars of our productions! All donations are tax-deductible and directly fund our current and future productions. When you donate to MIOpera, you are partnering with us to assure that the musical arts in Bloomington-Normal and Central Illinois continue to not merely survive but THRIVE! Please consider partnering with us by making a donation today and get your tickets to our upcoming holiday performances of Amahl and the Night Visitors! Keep the music playing! We are so excited to announce our 2026 that includes a musical, Operas, an Opera premiere and new partnerships, but we cannot do this without your support!

Happy Holidays, may your season be filled with inspiring music!
See you at the Opera,
Tracy Koch, MIOpera Artistic Director

Donate here: https://www.miopera.net/checkout/donate?donatePageId=62706ac9b85dfb0ee504be92
Or send a check payable to MIOpera
MIOpera
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