Experience the thrill of world-class vocal artistry as the Rocky Mountain Region proudly presents the Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition, one of the nation's most prestigious opportunities for emerging opera singers. The competition serves as a launching pad for exceptional young artists, many of whom go on to perform on the world's greatest stages. The Rocky Mountain Region competition is part of the Metropolitan Opera's renowned national program, providing talented singers with the opportunity to advance toward the Grand Finals in New York City. On Saturday, February 13, 2027, you will have an opportunity to see the winners of the Colorado-Wyoming, Arizona, Mexico and Utah Districts compete for a chance to move on the the semi-finals at the Met in New York.
Join us for an unforgettable afternoon of breathtaking performances as rising opera stars showcase their talent, passion, and artistry before a panel of distinguished judges. From beloved operatic masterpieces to powerful contemporary works, audiences will witness the next generation of vocal excellence competing for a chance to advance within this celebrated competition. Past winners of the Rocky Mountain Region include Ryan Speedo Green, Jonah Hoskins, and Alek Schrader.
For decades, the Metropolitan Opera's competition program has helped identify and nurture extraordinary vocal talent. By attending and supporting the Rocky Mountain Region competition, you play a vital role in encouraging young artists at a pivotal stage in their careers and helping preserve the vibrant future of opera.
Whether you are a lifelong opera enthusiast or discovering the art form for the first time, the Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition Rocky Mountain Region offers an inspiring opportunity to witness extraordinary talent, musical excellence, and the future of opera unfold on stage.
Celebrate emerging voices. Experience unforgettable performances. Be part of the journey to the Metropolitan Opera.
We are delighted to report that there are many exciting things on the horizon for past Rocky Mountain Region winners!
The wonderful Ryan Speedo Green will be returning to the Met stage this season as Banquo in Verdi's Macbeth and as Klingsor in Wagner's "Parsifal".
Soprano Emma Marhefka is currently a member of the Lindemann Young Artist Development Program and will be taking the Met stage as Pamina in their holiday production of Mozart's "Magic Flute".
Also gracing the Met stage this year is past Rocky Mountain Region winner Jonah Hoskins who will be singing the role of Bevins in the world premiere of Mazzoli's "Lincoln in the Bardo".
The Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition is designed to discover promising young opera singers and assist in the development of their careers. Many of today’s opera stars got their start in this Competition, including Renee Fleming, Stephanie Blythe, Eric Owens, Lisette Oropesa, Michael Fabiano, and Ryan Speedo Green. Donations to our organization provide prize monies for award winners and support the costs incurred in hosting both the Colorado-Wyoming District and Rocky Mountain Region rounds of the Competition. It is important to note that even though the Colorado-Wyoming District and Rocky Mountain Region are officially sanctioned by The Metropolitan Opera and feed the national competition finals, we do not receive any funding from the national office. All funds needed for the Colorado-based competitions must be raised locally through the generous donations of individual opera lovers like you. Our annual membership drive is now in progress. The bulk of the funds used to support the Colorado-Wyoming District and Rocky Mountain Region Competition are raised through our membership drive. For existing members, we would ask you to please renew your current membership or, if possible, consider moving your membership to a higher level. For new visitors to this site, we would love to add you to our membership roster. Your financial support is what makes this amazing opportunity possible for these talented young opera singers.
Photos below: Karen Bruggenthies, Rocky Mountain Region Director; 2020 Region Winner Jonah Hoskins, who has now gone on to the Met's Lindemann Program and sang the starring role of Nemorino in Donizetti's Elixir of Love on April 19, 2023; presentation of the Marcia Ragonetti Award to Colin Miller; 2023 Region Finalists; Rocky Mountain Region Winner and Grand National Finals winner Christian Simmons, 2023.
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.
Rocky Mountain Region Laffont Competition event details:
Saturday, February 13, 2027
Calvary Baptist Church
6500 E. Girard Avenue
Denver, CO
1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
This event is open to the public with a $10 donation requested at the door.
Onsite parking available.
The Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition is designed to discover promising young opera singers and assist in the development of their careers. Many of today’s opera stars got their start in this Competition, including Renee Fleming, Stephanie Blythe, Eric Owens, Lisette Oropesa, Michael Fabiano, and Ryan Speedo Green. Donations to our organization provide prize monies for award winners and support the costs incurred in hosting both the Colorado-Wyoming District and Rocky Mountain Region rounds of the Competition. It is important to note that even though the Colorado-Wyoming District and Rocky Mountain Region are officially sanctioned by The Metropolitan Opera and feed the national competition finals, we do not receive any funding from the national office. All funds needed for the Colorado-based competitions must be raised locally through the generous donations of individual opera lovers like you. Our annual membership drive is now in progress. The bulk of the funds used to support the Colorado-Wyoming District and Rocky Mountain Region Competition are raised through our membership drive. For existing members, we would ask you to please renew your current membership or, if possible, consider moving your membership to a higher level. For new visitors to this site, we would love to add you to our membership roster. Your financial support is what makes this amazing opportunity possible for these talented young opera singers.
Photos below: Karen Bruggenthies, Rocky Mountain Region Director; 2020 Region Winner Jonah Hoskins, who has now gone on to the Met's Lindemann Program and sang the starring role of Nemorino in Donizetti's Elixir of Love on April 19, 2023; presentation of the Marcia Ragonetti Award to Colin Miller; 2023 Region Finalists; Rocky Mountain Region Winner and Grand National Finals winner Christian Simmons, 2023.
