The Academy of Vocal Arts has unveiled details on its Giargiari Bel Canto Vocal Competition which will kick off the Institution’s virtual 2020-21 season.

The virtual competition is set for Oct. 24, 2020 and can be viewed via AVA’s YouTube account.

This year’s participants include soprano Aubry Ballarò, mezzo-soprano Alice Chung, bass eric Delagrange, baritone Daniel Gallegos, mezzo-soprano Chelsea Laggan, soprano Kara Mulder, baritone Titus Muzi, bass Codi Müller, soprano Renée Richardson, tenor Sahel Salam, mezzo-soprano Pascale Spinney, mezzo-soprano Anne Marie Stanley, and bass Griffen Hogan Tracey.

The competition’s confirmed judges include soprano Angela Meade (who is an AVA alum), Opera Philadelphia Music Director Corrado Rovaris, and Seattle Opera General Director Christina Scheppelmann.

The Resident Artists will compete for The James Parkinson Opera Foundation First Prize and The Cecile K. Dalton Second Prize. There will also be an Audience Favorite Vote award this year.

“We are pleased to kick off our virtual season with airing the Giargiari Competition,” said AVA Vice President and General Manager Scott Guzielek in an official press release. “AVA is fortunate to have our jewel of the Helen Corning Warden Theater as the recording space allowing for a safe way for our Resident Artists and Danielle Orlando to collaborate. The safety and well-being our everyone at AVA is always at the forefront of our minds.”