2025 Cooper-Bing Competition

The purpose of The Cooper-Bing Competition is to discover, recognize, and encourage young operatic talent. The Cooper-Bing Competition is an internationally recognized vocal competition that has celebrated and supported emerging young artists in opera. Dubbed “The Olympics of Opera,” this competition encourages talent, creates

artistic opportunity, and helps welcome the next generation into the professional opera community. Five finalists compete for the grand prize of $10,000! The 2025 competition will be hosted by WOSU Classical 101’s Christopher Purdy as the Master of Ceremonies.

The competition is open to professional and pre-professional singers who have completed, or are engaged in completing a musical education suitable for the operatic stage.

1) All applicants must be between 21-35 years of age on May 18, 2025, and available to travel to Columbus, Ohio for the Cooper-Bing Competition Finals (May 18, 2025). Agenda to begin at 10:30am on May 18, 2025.

2) Past applicants may submit new applications provided they meet the age requirement. Past finalists are not eligible to apply.

Applications are being processed through YapTracker.com.

Applicants must submit a high-quality video recording of three contrasting arias from opera and/or operetta. All selections must have accompaniment (piano or orchestra). One recording must be in the English language. You will be disqualified if you do not submit an aria in English. Recordings must be recent (less than one year

old) and may include any combination of filmed performances, home recordings, or studio recordings. Video and audio must be clear and unedited.

An application fee of $25 must be submitted online through YAP Tracker as part of your application. Application fees are non-refundable.

Appl deadline: Jan 15, 2025.