The 2007-2008 Schmidt Youth Vocal Competition

Sponsored by the William E. Schmidt Foundation in partnership with UK Opera Theatre

May 31, 2008
Terre Haute, Indiana

Download the brochure and application (PDF)

An Overview

Encouraging and nurturing the pursuits of young people in the arts is the core of the William E. Schmidt Youth Vocal Competition. As expressed by Mr. Schmidt’ssister, Anna Lee Hamilton, “Music knows no national boundaries. Music speaks a universal language. Music inspires our noblest impulses.” The William E. Schmidt Youth Vocal Competition is pleased to have a part in fostering the study and performance of music by our young people of today.

The Schmidt Youth Vocal Competition was started in 1992 in Indianapolis, Indiana,and then moved to Evansville, Indiana. A new site was added in Sarasota, Floridain 2006, where Mr. Schmidt currently resides with his wife Casiana. Recently the Foundation has added an additional site which will be the future home of the William E. Schmidt Youth Vocal Competition. This new site is located in Lexington, Kentucky, at the University of Kentucky, where Mr. Schmidt and Mrs. Schmidt are extensively involved with the University of Kentucky’s Opera Theatre program. All future competitions around the country will be coordinated from this site.

Young, talented vocal artists who are currently high school sophomores, juniors or seniors in Florida or Kentucky, and who are recommended by their vocal teachers or choral directors, are eligible to participate in their state’s competition. After submitting an application form, the first 35 applicants will be notified of their acceptance to participate in the competition.

Distinguished professors of voice and opera from major universities from around the country will judge the competition. An additional benefit for all participants is the master class, presented by one of the judges, the day of the Schmidt Youth Vocal Competitions.

Cash awards include $2,000, $1,500 and $1,000 respectively for the top three performers. $100 cash prizes will be awarded as encouragement to the other 7 finalists.

Many past winners of the Schmidt Youth Vocal Competition have gone on to successfully pursue musical degrees and careers. Those who have gone on to pursue other career paths continue to benefit from their past musical experience in the competition, for music is truly a life time gift that we share with others.

The William E. Schmidt Foundation
www.schmidtfoundation.org (not a UK site)

University of Kentucky Opera Theatre
www.uky.edu/finearts/music/opera