Part of SAS Performing Arts Company and Studios mission is to focus on recognizing and creating opportunities for emerging artists and helping to support them to the next level of artistic development.

To achieve that, we have instituted a competition for emerging artists. Since our first competition in 2020,  SAS has awarded over $25,000 to emerging artists to assist them in their career development. Past winners have gone on to various young artist programs and make their debuts with major companies across Europe and the United States including The Metropolitan Opera, Tulsa Opera, Florida Grand Opera, The English National Opera, and Staatsoper Berlin.

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Dates: Live in New York City

Semifinals: November 21, 2025

Finals: November 23, 2025

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Competition Awards

1st Prize: $3,000 sponsored by Charles and Edith Upton

2nd Prize: $1,500 sponsored by the Friends of SAS Performing Arts Club

3rd Prize:  $1000 - The Luana DeVol Award for Dramatic Voices

The LC Vaughn Sankofa Memorial Award for Emerging African American Artists - $500.00

Classical Cross Over Award: $250 - The Frank Surdi Memorial Award

​Incentive Grants: $100 each 

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ELIGIBILITY

• The competition is open to all performers who desire a career in opera and classical crossover..

• Repertoire once submitted cannot be changed.

• Submitted materials cannot be returned.

• Submission of this application does not guarantee an audition.

• Eligible participants will be notified of the date, time and location of the audition by email.

• An accompanist will be provided at no cost.

• $40.00 non-refundable fee required to apply.

• SAS Performing Arts Company and Studios, Inc. cannot assume any responsibility for expenses incurred during any portion of the competition.

• The performer's challenge: present to the judges a proper technique, an understanding of the text and   style of the selection through their understanding of the music and lyrics.

• Classical crossover is a genre that hovers between classical and popular music, and is usually targeted  at fans of both types of music. In the most common type of crossover, classically trained performers (often operatic superstars) sing the Great American Songbook, show tunes, or holiday songs.  These submissions must be in English.

• Age Requirement 18+

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APPLICATION & FEES*

•  $ 40 Application Fee*

       *Application Fee non refundable

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HOW TO APPLY

• Complete the online application

• The cut off date for applications is September 27, 2025. 

• Please follow submission guidelines for Opera category as well as Crossover category completely.

• If you have any question, please feel free to contact us at : competitions@sasperformingarts.com

• Throughout the competition, the decision of the judges is final.

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JUDGES:  

.Over the years our distinguished judges have included  Metropolitan Opera Artists Kirsten Chambers, Luana DeVol, Dr. Isola Jones, Tichina Vaughn,  Anthony Laciura, and Vernon Hartmann.  International Artists Amy Johnson and Christine Moore, Music Executive/Career Counselor Deborah Surdi, Collaborative Pianist and Coach Mary Pinto, and Artistic Director Stephen Scovasso. This year our judges will include Soprano Latonia Moore, Mezzo Soprano KS Tichina Vaughn, Music Executive Deborah Surdi, and Collaborative Pianist Mary Pinto.  

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FIRST ROUND

• Submit three (3) complete arias in, at least, two (2) different languages.

• If you are interested in the Crossover award, please include one selection of this nature in English.

• The submission should be of a good quality video recording. A recording that is not clear cannot be judged.  

• Each selection should be provided as a separate upload.

• No repertoire changes are allowed after submission materials are received by SAS Performing Arts Company and Studios, Inc.

• Your most recent head shot and resume must be downloaded.

• Please process the application fee online.

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SEMI-FINALS

• The Semi-finalists will be announced by email and on social media on/or before October 19, 2025.

•  The semi-finals will also be held live in New York City on Friday November 21, 2025.

• The Finalists will be announced at this time.

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FINALS

• The Finalist Concert will be held live in New York City on Sunday, November 23, 2025.  Participation in the finals is required in order to be eligible for consideration.

• The winners will be announced at the end of the final competition.

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