Upcoming Events

2026
Young Artist Competition

Opera Quad Cities invites high school and undergraduate collegiate voice students to participate in the Young Artist Competition on Saturday, March 28, 2026. This full-day vocal competition celebrates emerging talent from across the region and culminates in an evening Finals Recital, open to the public. Tickets for the Finals Recital are $10.00 for General Admission and can be purchased at https://givebutter.com/operaqcYA .

The Young Artist Competition and Finals Recital will be held on the campus of Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois.

Please review the information below prior to completing the application.

Competition Format: In the first two rounds (morning & afternoon), all singers will perform two selections. The first selection is chosen by the singer. The second selection is chosen by the adjudicators from the repertoire submitted within this application. At the conclusion of the second round, all singers will gather for the announcement of finalists. Those selected for the final round will perform one selection from their submitted repertoire.

Entry Fee: A $50 non-refundable application fee is required. Payment can be submitted electronically through the secure payment platform GiveButter: https://givebutter.com/operaqcYA.

Literature Requirements: All singers must be prepared to perform three songs from memory. Selections may include Opera, Oratorio, Musical Theatre, or Art Song.

• High School Division: One selection must be a classical aria or art song appropriate to the individual's age, One selection must be in English (not a translation), one selection may be an oratorio aria, all selections must be performed in the original language.

• Collegiate Division (Undergraduate): An opera aria is encouraged, one selection must be in English (not a translation), at least one selection must be in a language other than English, all selections must be performed in the original key and language.

Adjudication & Feedback: Each singer will perform for a panel of three judges in a morning session and a different panel of three judges in an afternoon session. Participants will receive written comments from all six adjudicators, which may be shared with instructors as part of their continued vocal studies.

Accompanist Information: Singers are encouraged to bring their own accompanist for performances. Opera Quad Cities can provide an accompanist for an additional fee of $50. Rehearsal times with accompanists will be arranged prior to the opening round of competition, with scheduling designed to allow adequate preparation.

Finals Recital & Awards: Five finalists in each division will be selected to perform in the evening recital, which is a ticketed event open to the public. First, Second, and Third Place will be awarded prize money in each division. Honorable mentions may also be acknowledged. All six adjudicators will select award winners.

• High School Division Awards: 1st Place - $500, 2nd Place - $350, 3rd Place - $200
• Collegiate Division Awards: 1st Place - $750, 2nd Place - $600, 3rd Place - $500

Purchase Tickets

Young Artist Competition Entry Form

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