Young opera singers compete in Sarasota in national vocal contest

Young opera singers compete in Sarasota in national vocal contest Jay Handelman Sarasota Herald-Tribune The Sarasota Opera season has ended but audiences can get a glimpse of the future of the art form during the second national finals for the Schmidt Vocal Competition program. More than 30 young singers who emerged as winners in 14 regional competitions will take the Sarasota Opera House stage for the semi-final, and up to 16 will be in the final round during the two-day event on June 3 and 4. The competition, a masterclass and an awards presentation are open to the public. “We’re so happy with the partnership we have with the Sarasota Opera,” where the inaugural event was held last year, said Linda McAlister, executive director of Schmidt Vocal Arts, which sponsors the competition that has awarded $650,000 in prizes and scholarships to young singers this year. The national contest offers a $10,000 first prize, $7,500 for second place and $5,000 for third. The regional contests had been conducted for 25 years before the national competition was launched last year. This year’s event is expected to include six singers from Florida, several of whom traveled to different regional contests to earn their places.