Schmidt Vocal Arts Announces Semifinalists for 5th National High School Vocal Competition

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The event, held at Sarasota Opera House, features 58 teen singers advancing from 18 regional competitions.

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Schmidt Vocal Arts has announced the full roster of qualifiers for its fifth annual National Vocal Competition for high school singers, presented in partnership with Sarasota Opera on May 30 and 31, 2026.

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“From the moment the competition begins, audiences will experience the passion, dedication, and extraordinary talent these young singers bring to the stage," said Linda McAlister, Executive Director of Schmidt Vocal Arts. “This year's national competition will feature a record number of participants, and we are honored to provide a stage where these gifted performers can learn, grow, and celebrate their passion for vocal music.”

A total of 58 teen singers from across the country—the three top winners from each of the 18 regional competitions, plus four ‘wild card' singers—have advanced to the semifinals, which take place at the Sarasota Opera House in Sarasota, FL, on May 30, 2026. Up to 16 finalists will compete on in the final round on May 31.

Semi-final adjudicators are Dr. Alison Acord, Professor of Voice at Miami University; Dr. Marc Callahan, Associate Professor and Director of Opera at Chapman University; mezzo-soprano Dr. Alexis Davis-Hazell at University of Alabama; tenor Anthony Dean Griffey Professor of Voice at Eastman School of Music; and Kathleen Kelly , Associate Professor of Vocal Coaching at Baylor University. The final round on May 31 will be judged by soprano Latonia Moore; mezzo-soprano Sasha Cooke , Co-Director of the Lehrer Vocal Institute at Music Academy of the West; and Christopher Cano, Director of the Washington National Opera's Cafritz Young Artist Program.

Cash prizes will be awarded to the First ($10,000), Second ($7,500), and Third ($5,000) place winners; all finalists will receive cash awards of $1,000. Additionally, $500 encouragement awards will be given at the discretion of the judges. Three semi-finalists will be selected to participate in a master class on May 31 with Dr. Alexis Davis-Hazell, Anthony Dean Griffey , and Kathleen Kelly before the final round.

Semi-final and final rounds take place at the Sarasota Opera House and are open to the public. Tickets are available for May 30 for $15.45 (Students: $10) and May 31 for $25.75 (Students: $10) online at SarasotaOpera.org or by calling the Box Office at (941) 328-1300. All Schmidt Vocal Arts programs are funded by the William E. Schmidt Foundation. Since debuting in 1997, the Schmidt Vocal Competitions have touched the lives of more than 6,500 developing singers, awarding more than $5 million in cash prizes and scholarships in pursuit of Schmidt Vocal Arts' mission to foster a passion in young artists for classical singing and create opportunities to propel them on their journey toward a career in the arts.

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_Originally reported by [BroadwayWorld](https://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwclassical/article/Schmidt-Vocal-Arts-Will-Present-Fifth-Annual-National-High-School-Vocal-Competition-20260514)._