Opera’s Star-Making Moment
Sunday, February 28, 2027
Kimbell Art Museum,
Renzo Piano Pavilion
ABOUT THE COMPETITION
A Career-Defining Showcase
The 20th Biennial Marguerite McCammon Voice Competition returns to the stage of the Kimbell Art Museum’s Renzo Piano Pavilion, placing one of the opera world’s most prestigious and closely followed vocal competitions in one of Fort Worth’s most iconic cultural settings. Since its founding in 1985, the McCammon has earned an international reputation as the “American Idol” of opera—a thrilling, career-defining showcase where extraordinary emerging singers compete before leading industry professionals in an unforgettable afternoon of artistry, ambition, and discovery.
A Legacy of Excellence
Held every two years by Fort Worth Opera, the McCammon Voice Competition reflects the company’s long-standing commitment to identifying, nurturing, and championing emerging artists. For many participants, the competition marks a pivotal early milestone—offering big visibility, momentum, and validation at a crucial moment in their professional journey.
Launching Tomorrow’s Opera Stars
The McCammon’s legacy is reflected in the extraordinary careers of its alumni, many of whom have gone on to major national and international success. Past winners include 2025 First Prize winner mezzo-soprano Winona Martin, along with notable winners and finalists Angela Meade, Joyce DiDonato, Marjorie Owens, Vivica Genaux, Vanessa Becerra, Abi Levis, Christopher Magiera, Siphokazi Molteno, and Richard Paul Fink—artists whose careers began to take flight on the McCammon stage.
Celebrating the Future of Opera
More than a competition, the McCammon is a celebration of vocal excellence at a defining moment in an artist’s ascent. As Fort Worth Opera marks the 20th edition of this landmark event, the Marguerite McCammon Voice Competition stands as a cornerstone of the company’s mission—advancing artistic excellence, elevating new voices, and securing a vibrant future for opera in America.
What is the McCammon Competition?
THE HISTORY OF THE McCAMMON 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.
