Join us for an unforgettable day of music, talent, and community celebration at the Opera on the River Vocal Competition—open to the public and welcoming all who appreciate the power of the human voice. Hosted by St. Croix Valley Opera, this annual event showcases outstanding emerging vocalists from across Minnesota and Wisconsin in a one-day, high-stakes audition concert.

 

The 5th Annual Opera on the River Vocal Competition is open to unmanaged singers between the ages of 18 and 34. Full eligibility criteria can be found below. Modest cash prizes will be awarded to the singers who place first, second, and third, and the spectators will also select a "People's Choice" candidate. The 1st place singer will also have a chance to be presented on stage at the Opera on the River Grand Concert on July 26, 2025.

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One Stage. One Day. One Incredible Experience.

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Throughout the day, singers will present their best work in front of a live audience and a panel of distinguished judges. After all the competitors have performed, the judges will select the Top Three Finalists, awarding cash prizes and recognition to those who rise to the top.

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But that’s not all—you, the audience, also have a voice in the outcome!

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​Cast Your Vote for the People’s Choice Award!

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This competition is not just for the judges—it’s for the people! As an audience member, you’ll have the opportunity to vote for your favorite performer during the event. Ballots will be collected and counted on-site, and the singer with the most votes will receive the People’s Choice Award, which includes a $100 cash prize directly from the $10 suggested donation from the door and the admiration of a live, supportive audience.

 

It’s a thrilling, interactive experience where your applause truly counts.

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See the Star Before the Spotlight

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The 1st Place Winner, selected by our panel of professional judges, will receive the opportunity of a lifetime: a featured solo performance at the Opera on the River Grand Concert in Lowell Park, Stillwater, MN on Saturday, July 26, 2025—performing alongside world-renowned international artists.

 

Be part of their journey. Cheer them on at the competition—and then see them shine under the summer sky on the Opera on the River main stage.

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Mark your calendar and bring your friends!

It’s more than a competition—it’s a celebration of voice, talent, and community.

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St. Croix Valley Opera is proud to be able to support emerging professional singers from Minnesota and Wisconsin. We have opened up the age range this year so that singers who may be in graduate school or have recently obtained a graduate degree can compete as well. Our goal is to grow this competition to include scholarships for college, and to have divisions so we can be more inclusive. We are just getting started!

- Megan Wagner, Co-Founder, and General Manager

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​Competitor Details:

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Eligibility Requirements:

• Singers must be between the ages of 18 to 34 (Proof of Age Required)

• Proof of Minnesota/Wisconsin resident (Driver's License) or a student currently attending a Minnesota/Wisconsin high school, college, or university (Student ID)

• Must be unmanaged

• 1 Aria/Art Song in a foreign language and 1 Aria/Art Song/Musical Theatre piece in English.

• Can bring your own pianist or SCVO can provide one for a fee of $35

• No backing tracks

• Previous 1st place winners are not eligible to compete

 

Date:

Saturday, June 28, 2025

 

Time:

11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

 

Location:

Bethel Lutheran Church Downtown Campus, Hudson, WI

 

Prizes:

1st Place: $500*

2nd Place: $400*

3rd Place: $300

People’s Choice: $100 (Crowd Voted and Supported Award)

 

*Chance to be presented on stage at Opera on the River 2025

 

Tickets

Open to the Public - $10 suggested donation at the door given to the People's Choice Award.

 

Judges

• Jean del Santo, Voice Instructor, MacPhail Center for Music

• Dr. Vicki Fingalson, Professor of Voice and Director of Opera at the University of Wisconsin - Superior

• Dennis Petersen, Voice Instructor, MacPhail Center for Music

 

 

How to apply

 

Enrollment is Now Closed! 20-singer limit reached.

 

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We look forward to seeing you in the fifth annual SCVO Vocal Competition!