Schmidt Vocal Arts has announced the recipients of its sixth annual Alumni Summer Study Grants, awarding nearly $50,000 to 27 pre-professional classical singers for summer study in 2026.

Eligible applicants were required to have previously participated in a Schmidt Vocal Arts program, whether through the Schmidt Vocal Competition High School Regionals, Schmidt Vocal Institute, or Schmidt Vocal Competition Undergraduate Awards.

Among the 27 recipients, several will head to the Mediterranean Opera Studio, including Carlee Elsner (Rice University), Isaiah Gallegos (Oberlin Conservatory), Olivia Gonzales (Rice University), Parker Odom (Manhattan School of Music), and Cecilia Soheily (Manhattan School of Music).

Brevard Music Center will welcome Elijah Gebers and Sofia Mains, both from Eastman School of Music, alongside Madelyn Salazar (University of Nevada, Las Vegas) and Jonathan Simon (University of Texas, Austin).

Chicago Summer Opera will host Colleen Allard-Smith (Manhattan School of Music) and Simon Fletcher (Carnegie Mellon University).

Other recipients include Natalie Corrigan heading to Santa Fe Opera, Fiorela Miria to the Berlin Opera Academy, Gabriella Treutle to Opera Lucca, Sara Springett to the Accademia Vocale Lorenzo Malfatti in Italy, and Luz Velazquez — a high school senior from the Celia Cruz Bronx High School of Music — to the Sicily Music Festival. Tyler Warwas will attend the American Institute for Musical Studies, Chloe Ness the Barcelona Festival of Song, and Lauren Maho and Asher Bartfeld will participate in SongFest.

“We are thrilled to significantly expand our support for Alumni Summer Study Grants. As an organization dedicated to nurturing young singers, we recognize how vital summer voice programs are—whether through Young Artist Programs or festivals in the United States or opportunities around the globe,” said SVA Executive Director Linda McAlister, per an official press release. “We eagerly anticipate hearing about the transformative experiences these talented artists will gain.”

All Schmidt Vocal Arts programs are funded by the William E. Schmidt Foundation.