Tulsa Opera partners in presenting the 70th annual Metropolitan Opera National Laffont Competition for the Tulsa District on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026.

The competition takes place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Cascia Hall Performing Arts Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Artists will travel to Tulsa from across the United States, as well as from Mexico, Canada, and other countries, to compete. The 2026 Tulsa District competition is adjudicated by Maggey Oplinger, CEO of Florentine Opera; Donna D. Vaughn, CEO of Opera Maine and former stage director and acting coach for the Metropolitan Opera’s Lindemann Young Artist Development Program; and Elliott Paige, professional tenor and administrator of the Metropolitan Opera National Laffont Competition.

Tulsa was the second district to join the nationwide competition and has hosted district auditions continuously since 1955. Oklahoma singers who have reached National Finalist status include sopranos Sarah Coburn, Jana McIntyre, and Abigail Raiford, as well as baritone Mark McCrory. Tulsa Opera Filstrup Resident Artist soprano Stephanie Washington was a National Semifinalist, and in 2025 Filstrup Resident Artist and Tulsa Opera Education & Engagement Manager Maddie Breedlove received an Encouragement Award.

The competition is free and open to the public. Audience members may enter and exit only during breaks between singers.

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