AMICI is the support group for the Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition in the New Orleans District and Gulf Coast Regional Auditions.
The district and regional level auditions are run and underwritten by local volunteers, who also raise funds in their local communities to cover audition expenses and offer monetary prizes.
Our Gulf Coast winner, Gabriel Natal-Báez, won the $20,000 Laffont Prize!
Mr. Natal-Báez is a baritone and the winner of the Puerto Rico District. He was one of six National Winners from the 2025-2026 Grand Finals Competition.
The Met’s Laffont Competition—previously known as the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions—is designed to discover promising young opera singers and assist in the development of their careers and is sponsored by hundreds of donors and volunteers from across North and South America. Some of today’s greatest singers got their starts in the competition, including Jamie Barton, Stephanie Blythe, Lawrence Brownlee, Anthony Roth Costanzo, Emily D’Angelo, Michael Fabiano, Renée Fleming, Susan Graham, Ryan Speedo Green, Lisette Oropesa, Eric Owens, and Nadine Sierra.
For additional information please go to our website: www.AmiciSings.org
Met Opera Laffont Gulf Coast Regional Competition
Sunday, January 17, 2027
Time: 1:00pm to 6:00pm
Location: Roussel Hall, Loyola University - 6363 St. Charles Ave., New Orleans
A reception follows the competition and attendees are encouraged to contribute to the Audience Favorite award which is given directly to the winner.
Sunday Regional Competition is free to: AMICI members, $15 for non-AMICI members, and FREE to Students and faculty of any educational institution.
Vocal and musical theater students are encouraged to attend and teachers are encouraged to bring or send their students. Parents of students are asked to make a $15 contribution.
Tickets are available on our website, www.AmiciSings.org and at the door by cash, check, or credit card/paypal.
Audition times for Gulf Coast Region competitors will be posted on our website, www.AmiciSings.org, the morning of the competition.
For additional information please go to our website: www.AmiciSings.org
