The Competition

The George and Nora London Foundation for Singers Competition is a prestigious event that offers emerging opera talent a platform to showcase their artistry before a panel of esteemed judges. Winners receive significant financial awards and the chance to perform in front of influential figures in the opera community. This competition is a vital part of the foundation's mission to nurture and support the next generation of opera stars.

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Audition Process
& Eligibility

The George London Awards process begins with an annual applicant pool of over 150 talented opera singers, each vying for the chance to launch or advance their careers through this esteemed competition. From this pool, a maximum of 90 singers are selected to participate in a rigorous preliminary round, held over the course of three days. During this stage, each singer is typically asked to perform two arias for the panel of judges, showcasing their vocal range, technical skill, and emotional expressiveness. In some cases, singers may be requested to perform a third aria, allowing the judges to fully assess their capabilities and artistic potential.

Following the preliminary round, up to 15 singers are chosen as finalists and given the opportunity to compete in the finals, held at the prestigious Morgan Library and Museum. Here, each finalist performs one aria selected by the judges, presenting their artistry to both the panel and a discerning audience. The final performances are critical, as they lead directly to the judges' deliberation, where up to five singers are awarded the coveted George London Award, each receiving $12,000. The remaining finalists, while not receiving the top award, are recognized for their exceptional talent with encouragement awards of $2,000 each, ensuring that every finalist leaves the competition with both recognition and support to further their careers.

Application

Please use this link to apply for our 2025 Competition.

FAQs

Who is eligible to apply for a George London award?

Applicants must be citizens of either the United States or Canada and under 35 years of age.

What is the first step in the competition process?

All applicants must compete the competition application form. In addition to answering questions about their educational background and performing experience, applicants must provide a list of four arias in contrasting styles and languages which they will present if they make it to the audition stage of the competition.

What is the audition process?

A maximum of 90 singers (from an average pool of approximately 150 applicants) are selected to participate in a preliminary round over the course of three days. Typically, applicants are asked to sing two arias for the panel of expert judges but may be asked to sing a third.

How many applicants make it to the finals?

Up to 15 singers are selected to perform at the finals.

What happens at the finals?

The finalists sing one aria selected by the panel of expert judges before an audience at the Gilder Lehrman Hall at the Morgan Library and Museum. Immediately following these performances, the judges deliberate, and the winners are announced.

How many applicants make it to the finals?

Up to 15 singers are selected to perform at the finals.

Two men playing violin and piano

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Lady singing

All George London Award
Winners since 1971

Carolyn James
Carolyn Sproule
Carroll Freeman
Catherine Malfitano
Cesar Suarez
Charles Castronovo
Charles Sy
Charlotte Ellsaesser
Cheryl Hickman
Chloé Moore
Christina Pier
Christine Brewer
Christine Goerke
Christine Robbins
Claudia Catania
Claudia Rosenthal
Colenton Freeman
Connie Jean Barnett
Corey Bix
Corinne Winters
Craig Fields
Cris Groenendaal
Cynthia Clarey
D. Michael Heath
Damon Evans
Dana Talley
Daniel Okulitch
Darren Drone
David Arnold
David Cumberland
David DQ Lee
David Holloway
David Kline
David Kuebler
David Mallis,
David Pershall
David Sundquist
Davis Gaines
Dawn Upshaw
Deborah Polaski
Debra Vanderlinde
Dennis Bailey
Derrick Lawrence
Diana Soviero
Diana Soviero
Dimitri Pittas
Dominic Armstrong
Dominique Labelle
Donnie Ray Albert
Donovan Singletary
Dorceal Dickens