Columbia will play host to the Metropolitan Opera’s Laffont Competition on Saturday, January 18, providing a showcase for young, aspiring opera singers from across the United States. The event will be held at the Wright-Spears Center for the Arts at Columbia College and begins at 10 a.m. Admission is free and open to the public.
This prestigious competition, named after late benefactor Betty Laffont, serves as a platform to discover and nurture the next generation of opera talent. Participants will perform opera’s greatest arias before a panel of judges provided by the Metropolitan Opera Company of New York.
The event offers a unique opportunity for the community to experience the power of live opera and witness emerging voices on their journey to stardom. The judges will select singers to advance to the Regional Auditions in Atlanta, where winners receive $1,250 each. The regional winner will move on to compete at the Metropolitan Opera in New York for a chance to win $20,000 and gain exposure to world-class training and career opportunities.
Exclusive Gala Event
In support of the competition, the South Carolina District is hosting its Stairway to the Met Opera Gala on Friday, January 17. This wine buffet dinner will take place in a private Columbia home, offering attendees an intimate evening featuring fine dining, a live performance by a young tenor, and the opportunity to meet the judges.
Tickets for the gala are $75 per person or $125 per couple. Proceeds support the South Carolina District Competition. Reservations can be made by contacting Bettie or Van Edwards at 803-787-0287 or via email at [email protected].
