The Loren L. Zachary Society for the Performing Arts
National Vocal Competition for Young Opera Singers
The Competition
54th Annual National Vocal Competition for Young Opera Singers
Founded in 1972, by the late Loren L. Zachary and Nedra Zachary, the National Vocal Competition for Young Opera Singers is one of the most prestigious and valuable singing competitions in the world.
2026 Zachary Society Vocal Application, Competition Rules and Regulations
(Please be sure to read the Competition Rules before filling out and sending your application.)
NEW YORK ~ LOS ANGELES, RULES AND REGULATIONS
Part 1
SCHEDULE - New York Regional Auditions
Preliminaries:
February 24, 25, 26, 2026
Semi-Finals:
February 27, 2026
SCHEDULE - Los Angeles Regional Auditions
Preliminaries:
March 23, 24, 2026
Semi-Finals:
March 25, 2026​​​
Grand Finals Concert
Sunday, May 17, 2026
Important Note:
Finalists are required to attend all rehearsals and must remain at the Grand Finals Concert for the Award Presentation following the Competition to be eligible for the Awards. Applicants must review their calendar to make sure that there are no conflicts with the dates above, as entrance into this competition indicates availability at the rehearsals and the Grand Finals Concert.
Part 2
FINAL AWARDS:
One of the purposes of the top awards is to provide singers with financial assistance with the possibility of making a European audition tour and the goal of obtaining a long-term contract in an opera house. If a singer prefers not to travel to Europe, or has prior commitments, he or she is still eligible to enter this Competition and
compete for all cash awards. The Top Award is $15,000 and approximately $50,000 will be
distributed amongst the Finalists. Each Finalist will receive a minimum of $2,000.
2026 Zachary Society Vocal Application, Competition Rules and Regulations
(Please be sure to read the Competition Rules before filling out and sending your application.)
POSTMARK DEADLINE
NEW YORK REGIONAL AUDITIONS POSTMARKED ON OR BEFORE JAN. 16, 2026
LOS ANGELES REGIONAL AUDITIONS POSTMARKED ON OR BEFORE FEB. 2, 2026
Information
Nedra Zachary, Competition Director
(310) 276-2731