Scholarship Award Details

The American Opera Society of Chicago has given annual awards to support classical music since its founding in 1924.

2024 Scholarship Awards Granted

The American Opera Society of Chicago “Best Vocal Artist” Award of $10,000, in voice

The American Opera Society of Chicago Award of $7,000, open to all performance areas

The American Opera Society of Chicago Award in honor of Mary Jane Peterson, of $5,000, in voice

The American Opera Society of Chicago Award in honor of Joyce Van Cura, of $5,000, in voice

The American Opera Society of Chicago Award in honor of Elizabeth Lewis, of $5,000, open to all performance areas

The American Opera Society of Chicago Award of $5,000, open to all performance areas

General Rules and Regulations

Applicants must be citizens of the United States of America, living and studying within 150 miles of Chicago.

Applicants must be advanced students of voice, piano, strings, or other solo instruments, with potential for professional careers.

Applicants must be 20 to 32 years of age for voice; 16 to 32 years of age for piano, strings, and other solo instruments; as of the Audition date.

No previous award winner of the American Opera Society of Chicago is eligible to audition.

A teacher may submit no more than two applicants annually.

An applicant’s audition will consist of 10 (ten) minutes of diversified repertoire to be performed from memory. The repertoire will indicate technique, style, command of language (for voice auditions), interpretation, and stage presence. Please see our Audition Program Requirements website page and the application for more specific requirements.

All entrants must provide their own accompanist.

Applications were due to the scholarship chairperson on or before Saturday, February 17, 2024, with the application form, participant’s program, and resumé.

Scholarship Auditions were held on Monday, March 11, 2024.

Participants will be notified about the outcome of their auditions by email.

Award winners will be presented in concert in Chicago either on May 22, 2024, or October 16, 2024. Scheduling for these concerts will be at the discretion of AOSC. The winners will receive their awards at that time. If this requirement is not fulfilled, the American Opera Society has the right to withhold the award or to decide on another winner.

For questions, email scholarships@americanoperasocietyofchicago.org