Schmidt Vocal Arts offers more than just training and a competition; they set singers up for lifelong success.
Schmidt Vocal Arts (SVA) was created to support young students’ passion for classical singing across the U.S. Today, the organization, which is part of the William E. Schmidt Foundation, includes the popular Schmidt Vocal Competition, Schmidt Vocal Institute, Schmidt Vocal Education, and scholarship opportunities for young singers. Many of Schmidt Vocal Competition’s accomplished alumni have gone on to pursue musical degrees at leading music schools and enjoy successful careers in the arts.
In February 2024, the foundation made a notable new addition to its board of directors by appointing international soprano Christine Goerke, who has appeared in many of the most prestigious opera houses around the world—including the Metropolitan Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago, San Francisco Opera, Royal Opera House, Paris Opera, Teatro alla Scala, Deutsche Oper Berlin, and Teatro Real in Madrid—and also served as associate artistic director of Detroit Opera from 2021–2024.
“I am very proud of the work that I have done to advocate for the next generation of artists. As I have always believed, it is important to uphold the individual and unique artistry of each of these young singers, to give them a solid foundation upon which to build and grow. But most importantly? To be their own authentic selves. That is the ‘secret sauce’ of SVA. Not just allowing access to incredible coaches, teachers, and experiences in a safe space, but helping create a community of like minds, talented colleagues, and lifelong friends. I look forward to helping behind the scenes and working with the wonderful Linda McAlister and the WESF [William E. Schmidt Foundation] board to continue to grow the SVA family of artists,” says Goerke.
The soprano was first introduced to Schmidt Vocal Arts when Executive Director Linda McAlister contacted her during the pandemic. “She told me a bit about Schmidt Vocal Arts and asked if I might do some online work with some of the participants. I was so happy to do it, but even more happy to get to know about SVA. I was embarrassed that I hadn’t heard much about the organization before then,” adds Goerke.
“I remember being rather astounded at the level of talent of the singers and the hunger for information and experiences. That is when I realized the magic that SVA represented—and the more I found out about the organization, the more excited I became about it. So, when I was approached about serving on the WESF board, after seeing the immense amount of good that Linda does with SVA for these young singers, there wasn’t a chance I was going to miss out on participating!”
While her path on the board is still being charted, Goerke is happy to serve the organization and the foundation in any way that will be helpful. “I have had the great fortune to do some online work with SVA participants, and at the national finals in June of this year, I was lucky enough to host a ‘Meet and Greet’ for all of the semifinalists and their families to have a real, no-holds-barred discussion about the logistics and truths of our industry. I am so passionate about working with emerging artists, and I look forward to being of use to help further their collective love of singing,” notes Goerke.
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A singer herself, Linda McAlister explains that like many administrators who have performed, she is able to tailor SVA programs to the needs of this younger generation, giving them the tools and experiences they need to get a step ahead in a very competitive yet rewarding industry.
“When I first moved into the executive director role of Schmidt Vocal Arts in 2019, the WESF board gave me a lofty goal: they hoped that every American singer on professional stages would have gone through one of our SVA programs. I told them to give me some time!” explains McAlister.
“But even now, we’re starting to see the fruits of our labors. Our alumni are already singing on the stages of the Metropolitan Opera and winning worldwide competitions. As the years go by, we’ll see more and more. In every new program or partnership we make, I think of that goal—how can we get more singers involved at an early age? Our flagship program, the high school Schmidt Vocal Competition, has been in existence for over 25 years and is continuing to grow.
“After our online COVID years, we continued to offer an online cohort to reach singers from further afield. We are also looking forward to adding a few live locations in the upcoming years. During COVID, we started venturing into programs for undergraduate level singers and all our alumni. We always survey our alumni about what they would like to see, and we might have a few things in the works!”
McAlister highlights the scholarship program at SVA, which she says is becoming one of the biggest parts of the organization. At every regional competition, the top three winners not only receive cash awards, they also become eligible for need-based aid to study voice at the university level—and they also have an opportunity to work one on one with SVA scholarship consultant Dr. Ellen Frishberg, who helps families navigate the ins and outs of the financial aid process. “At the end of the awards ceremonies, I always bring the parents onstage with the winners and explain our scholarship programs—sometimes they don’t know about it. Many times, I’ve seen relief and tears in the parents’ eyes because they realize that now their child can follow their dream without substantial financial strain to the family,” concludes McAlister.
SVA counts with many notable alumni such as soprano Emily Pogorelc and baritone Reginald Smith, Jr., who have gone on to have major international careers, as well as others—such as Clara Luz Iranzo, Sam Dhobhany, Nicole DiPasquale, Elizabeth Hanje, Naysa Marrero, Jack Hicks, Lilliana Mindel, and Emilio Vasquez—who are in the midst of high-level training opportunities as young and emerging artists.
The organization keeps a close connection and support with its alumni through the Schmidt Alumni Network, a vibrant and interconnected group of vocal artists who share a passion for classical singing. From initial connections made through Schmidt Vocal Arts programs, alumni continue to share news of auditions, events, tips, and more through social media and beyond.
“The Schmidt competition was really the first time that I felt that being in a competition could be friendly. I have also been a part of SVI [Schmidt Vocal Institute]. During SVI, I was able to hone some of my technical skills through my voice lessons, and master clinicians provided invaluable feedback on my performances,” says 2024 SVA National High School Competition First Place winner, Lilliana Mindel, in relating how SVA programs have been instrumental in her growth as both a vocalist and an artist.
“However,” Mindel continues, “I feel that I have learned more from watching my peers in masterclasses. I have found lifelong friendships through SVA. SVI was the most amazing two weeks of my musical life so far! I had so much fun. It was wonderful to work with professors from universities that I was planning on auditioning for in the fall. It was great to build connections with these professors and industry professionals while also learning and having fun with peers who are just as talented and motivated as I am.”
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Baritone Emilio Vasquez shares that much of what he now knows about the voice and interpretation was introduced to him during his time at the Schmidt Vocal Institute by the teachers, coaches, and master clinicians. “Schmidt Vocal Arts has been an instrumental part of my development as a young artist,” he says. “Their fostering of young talent is unmatched: through their high school competitions and Summer Vocal Institute, I was given professional experience that was invaluable part my maturation as a singer.
“As an alumni and competitor at the undergraduate level, I have received extensive assistance from SVA both developmentally and financially. As I begin my studies at the master’s level and reflect on my time over the past four years, it’s clear their continued mentorship and assistance has played a primary role in my success. Through SVA, I was also able to sing my first role in a house with full orchestra.
“Lastly, I have made lasting relationships with my peers in the SVA Alumni Network. Because of these wonderful people, the Schmidt administration team—including Linda McAlister and Brie Litscher—and the legacy of William E. Schmidt, I have felt confident and supported every step of the way.”
“SVA has truly changed my life,” adds Puerto Rican soprano Clara Luz Iranzo, noting that SVA has opened up a world she didn’t even know was possible for her. “Coming from a financially disadvantaged household in Puerto Rico, I had big dreams but no financial bandwidth to make them happen. Affording an education or a performance career felt nearly impossible—and with the generosity of SVA, I have not only been able to get my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in vocal performance from two really incredible schools, but I have also traveled around the world performing in challenging productions and recitals mainly from the connections I have been able to make in these past six years.
“I have been an SVA scholar since 2018 and have been involved in masterclasses, concerts, and chats with renowned artists, which has undoubtedly contributed to my growth. I can say with certainty that I would not be the performer I am today without their support! There’s something very special and crucial about having people in your life that stick by your side while you explore your fullest potential. They have given me the privilege of having that freedom, and it has led me to believe that I can achieve anything I set my mind to. For that, I am forever grateful! SVA is more than an organization; it’s family!”
Iranzo continues: “Through all of the experiences with SVA, I have gained supporters, friends, people who look out for me and want to see me achieve success. I should also mention that I have great memories from a masterclass offered by Christine Goerke (as part of the SVA masterclasses) where I sang ‘Silver Aria’ from The Ballad of Baby Doe. My voice has evolved so much since then, but what I learned that day changed a lot of things for me in terms of technique that I still implement in my daily practice. This has been a beautiful and encouraging community to be part of, and I hope that when the time comes, I am able to give back to them and other organizations and singers that also seek to make our industry a better one for all.”
In response to the challenges our industry faces, SVA offers a refreshingly positive perspective on the future of opera and classical singing. The foundation and its various initiatives have already proven to be an invaluable resource that is contributing greatly to the present and future of our art form. We all benefit from the growth and success of organizations like Schmidt Vocal Arts, and we should support them in any way we can.
