The Biennial McCammon Voice Competition

In 1969, Mrs. George W. Armstrong of Natchez, Mississippi gave $5,000 to the Opera Guild of Fort Worth in honor of her favorite niece. That niece was Marguerite McCammon, a woman who had been president of the Opera Guild in 1963 and 1964, and who had served on the board of the Fort Worth Opera Association. The Guild used that gift to found a permanent scholarship fund for talented voice students and to support the unpaid members of the Fort Worth Opera chorus.

In 1983, Mrs. McCammon recognized that young singers at the beginning of their careers needed financial support. She donated $30,000 to the Opera Guild with the understanding that the funds were to be used to launch a voice competition that would help young singers advance their operatic careers. Thus, the biennial Marguerite McCammon Voice Competition was established.

Since its debut in 1985, the McCammon Voice Competition has grown into one of the world's most important operatic events. Every two years the contest showcases the most compelling young singers of our time.

Fort Worth Opera’s commitment to discovering and supporting new talent is evident in the Biennial McCammon Competition. This event attracts some of the world’s most gifted opera singers, who perform with passion and precision, competing for recognition in a celebration of vocal excellence.

First Place: Winona Martin

Second Place: Justin Burgess

Third Place: Sarah Rachel Bacani

Audience Choice: Rolfe Duaz