Welcome to the Phyllis A. and Thomas H. McCasland, Jr. Lone Star Vocal Competition, reviving a proud Texas tradition for new generations of aspiring young opera singers!
Designed to alternate with The Dallas Opera National Vocal Competition, the statewide version puts the emphasis on local opera artists who are just beginning their careers. These young artists will take the Dallas Opera stage to showcase their impressive talents in front of industry peers.
2027 Lone Star Vocal Competition
Friday, March 12, 2027 at 7:30 PM
Witness dreams come true as vocal talents from across Texas converge on the Dallas Arts District for a chance to sing on the Winspear stage—and win cash prizes! Singers compete for the opportunity to dazzle our local judges and win the hearts of our opera-loving audiences, who vote for the “People’s Choice” winner at the end of the evening. This concert is brimming with exceptional talent and youthful energy, an intoxicating and inspiring experience for all!
2025 Lone Star Vocal Competition
Witness dreams come true as vocal talents from across Texas converge on the Dallas Arts District for a chance to sing on the Winspear stage—and win cash prizes! Singers compete for the opportunity to dazzle our local judges and win the hearts of our opera-loving audiences, who vote for the “People’s Choice” winner at the end of the evening. This concert is brimming with exceptional talent and youthful energy, an intoxicating and inspiring experience for all!
WINNERS ANNOUNCED!
First Place: Kayla Nanto, Mezzo-Soprano
Kayla Nanto is automatically advanced to the final round of the 2026 National Vocal Competition.
Second Place: Michael Pandolfo, Baritone
Third Place: Ani Kushyan, Mezzo-Soprano
Jonathan Pell People’s Choice Award (determined by audience vote): Kayla Nanto, Mezzo-Soprano
2023 Winners
First Place: Adia Evans
Second Place: Sarah Neal
Third Place: Talin Nalbandian
Jonathan Pell People’s Choice Award (determined by audience vote): Bethany Jelinek
Winners were selected by a distinguished panel of judges, chaired by The Dallas Opera’s Artistic Consultant David Lomelí and including Ian Derrer, The Dallas Opera’s Kern Wildenthal General Director and CEO; Donnie Ray Albert, renowned baritone and Senior Lecturer in Voice at the Butler School of Music at the University of Texas at Austin; Elizabeth Askren, conductor and Hart Institute Alumna and Faculty; and Kristian Roberts, The Dallas Opera’s Director of Education.
The evening was emceed by celebrated tenor David Portillo, past Vocal Competition winner and cast member of Dallas Opera’s upcoming production of Così fan tutte.
Photo: Kyle Flubacker