Discover the Stars of Tomorrow—Today!
Opera Birmingham’s annual Vocal Competition is your chance to experience the thrill of opera’s rising stars before they take the world’s biggest stages. For more than 40 years, this prestigious event has drawn top emerging singers from across the country, offering them a platform to shine—and offering you an unforgettable evening of music. Cash prizes are awarded for the top 5 finalists, plus, you have an opportunity to choose your favorite among the ten finalists to win the Audience Favorite Prize.
Each finalist has been selected through a national audition process and will perform live before a panel of distinguished judges, including opera professionals, agents, and directors. Many past winners have gone on to major careers, and you’ll be able to say you saw them here first!
Two Ways to Experience the Competition:
Concert Only: Enjoy the full performance and cheer on your favorite competitors in an inspiring and entertaining evening.
Concert + Private Reception: Take your experience to the next level by joining us after the performance for an exclusive reception. Mingle with the singers, pianists, and judges, enjoy refreshments, and be part of the excitement behind the scenes.
Whether you're a seasoned opera lover or new to the art form, this event promises to be one of the most exciting nights of the season. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the magic—and maybe even help discover opera’s next great voice!
When
Sunday, April 27, 2025 | 4:00 P.M.
Tickets & Reservations
Concert Only: $40 per person (Includes 4pm Vocal Competition Concert, cash bar for mingling, AND announcement of winners!
Concert and Reception: $125 per person (in addition to all the above, includes two drink tickets and hearty hor d’oeuvres and a private reception with the singers, judges, and pianists.)
Please click button to download form below and mail into Opera Birmingham.
Parking Information: Free parking at the Innovation Depot Parking Lot: 1500 1st Avenue North, Birmingham, AL 35203. Free shuttle service to and from B&A Warehouse throughout the event. Street parking available, and passenger drop-off available at door.
Cocktail attire.
Concert Only: $40 per person
Includes:
4:00 P.M. Vocal Competition Concert
Cash bar available for mingling post-concert
Announcement of winners
Concert & Reception:
Includes all above plus Private Awards Reception following concert
*Singers interested in applying to the competition can find more information here.
Natalie Bergeron
Soprano
Tyson Deaton
Opera Conductor & Coach
Shawn Marie Jeffery
VP Classical & Creatives UIA Talent Agency
1st Prize $3,500 The Martha Dick McClung Award given by Brent and Karyn Uptain -with- an invitation to return for a role in a future production
2nd Prize - $2,500 given by Michael J. & Mary Anne Freeman
3rd Prize - $2,000 given by Martha Pezrow
4th Prize - $1,500 given by Matthew and Emily Penfield
5th Prize - $1,000 given by Brooks and Ellen Proctor
The Jerry and Sis Levin Award—$1,000 the Audience Favorite Award given by The Levin Family
Pianists Sponsor: Mary K. “Mimi” Jackson
Judges Sponsor: Martha Pezrow
Opera Birmingham is thrilled to announce the receipt of an endowed gift from the Levin Family in honor of the memory of their parents, Jerry and Sis Levin. Jerry and Sis were opera enthusiasts and were instrumental in founding the Vocal Competition in 1978. Jerry wanted Birmingham to become the site of an annual operatic competition that encouraged young singers at the start of their careers, and this tradition has been fulfilling that mission for over forty-five years!
To honor that legacy, beginning with the 2024 Vocal Competition, the Audience Favorite Award will be renamed “The Jerry and Sis Levin Prize.”
Everyone attending the concert will be able to hear each singer perform one aria of their choosing, and one aria that the judges choose for them. Guests will then mark their ballots for their personal favorite, and the tally will reveal the audience favorite!
Jerry & Sis Levin