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 $30,000 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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To celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the birth of The United States of America, we will focus on music of American Composers of Opera, American Musical Theater, and song. 

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Dates: Live in New York City

Semifinals: October 9, 2026 

Finals: October 11, 2026

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Competition Awards

1st Prize: $3,000 

2nd Prize: $1,500 

3rd Prize:  $1000 

The LC Vaughn Sankofa Memorial Award for Emerging Artists 

Classical Cross Over Award: - The Frank Surdi Memorial Award​

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ELIGIBILITY

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

• 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 and selections from the American Musical Theater.  These submissions must be in English.

• Age Requirement 18+

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APPLICATION & FEES*

•  $ 45 Application Fee*

       *Application Fee non refundable

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HOW TO APPLY

• Complete the online application

• The cut off date for applications has been extended to 5:00pm Sunday September 6, 2026. 

• 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 Latonia Moore, KS Tichina Vaughn, Kirsten Chambers, Luana DeVol, Dr. Isola Jones,  Anthony Laciura, and Vernon Hartmann.  International Artists Amy Johnson, Janice Hall, and Christine Moore, Music Executive/Career Counselor Deborah Surdi, Collaborative Pianist and Coach Mary Pinto, and Artistic Director Stephen Scovasso.  Judges for 2026 To be announced. 

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FIRST ROUND

• Submit Three (3) selections One (1) being from standard repertoire and two (2) by American composers* 

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

• 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.

• For the first round, 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 September 11, 2026.

•  The semi-finals will be held live in New York City on Friday October 9, 2026.

• The Finalists will be announced at that time.

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FINALS

• The Finalist Competition will be held live in New York City on Sunday, October 11, 2026.  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.

 

*​ Some American Composers - Adamo, Adams, Barber, Bernstein, Blanchard, Cipullo, Copland, Corligano,                                                       Davis, Floyd, Glass, Gershwin, Heggie, Highdon, Larson, Mazzoli, Menotti,                                                       Moore, Musgrave, Puts, Rorem, Thomson, and Ward.

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