Information

Chosen from hundreds of applicants, 24 emerging professional opera singers traveled from across the country on March 4 and 5, 2023, to vie for the title of Mary Jacobs Smith Singer of the Year.

Click on the photo of each contestant to visit their website.

The judges:

• Luretta Bybee, opera singer; Professor of Voice, Loyola University (New Orleans)
• Andrea DelGiudice, founder and the director of Vocal Arts at The Narnia Festival in Narni Italy; voice teacher; and talent consultant for Encompass Arts
• Greer Grimsley, world-renowned Wagnerian bass-baritone

The prizes:

• The Mary Jacobs Smith Award (1st prize) $10,000
• The Charles Maggio Award (2nd prize) $5,000
• The Robert J. Murray Memorial Award (3rd prize) $3,000
• The Lorena Bessey Mangin Memorial Award (4th prize) $2,000
• The Jennifer White Memorial Award (5th prize) $1,000
• The Katherine S. Tyrrell Memorial Award (honorable mention - $300)
• The Dr. & Mrs. Bob Robinson Award (honorable mention - $300)
• The La Wanda & Ernest Blakeney Award (honorable mention - $300)
• The Phyllis Linke-Lamb Memorial Award (honorable mention - $300)
• The Dr. Melvin & Lea Johnson Memorial Award (honorable mention - $300)
• The Shreveport-Bossier Opera Guild Audience Choice Award ($300)