The George London Foundation will host its 50th Annual Competition for Young American and Canadian Opera Singers starting in February 2021.

The competition will have a jury consisting of soprano Harolyn Blackwell, bass James Morris, mezzo-soprano Susan Quittmeyer, and John Hauser, the executive director of the George London Foundation. The pianist will be Michael Fenelly and cash prizes will be awarded. Five contestants will be awarded $10,000 each with remaining finalists each set to receive $1,000 Encouragement Awards.

The deadline for submitting applications will be Jan. 15, 2021 online with the semifinal auditions set to be held in person on Feb. 17. The final will proceed on Feb. 19, also in person, both complying with strict safety protocols to avoid the spread of COVID-19.

The competition has become a stepping stone in the career of American opera singers since 1971, delivering more than $2 million in prizes. Past winners include Christine Brewer, Joyce DiDonato, Renée Fleming, Christine Goerke, Catherine Malfitano, James Morris, Matthew Polenzani, Sondra Radvanovsky, Neil Shicoff, and Dawn Upshaw, among others.