The Kristina Townsend Memorial Vocal Competition

The Kristina Memorial Vocal Competition honors the memory of Kristina Townsend, daughter of Opera Modesto founder Erik Buck Townsend and his wife Erika. Kristina loved music and especially singing; this competition is designed to encourage and inspire emerging talented young singers.
The Kristina Townsend Memorial Vocal Competition will take place in Modesto, in person, on March 15th, 2025 from 10:00am-1:00pm. The approximate time slots are
- 10:00-11:00: 16-18 age group
- 11:00-12:00: 19-22 age group
- 12:00-1:00: 23-26 age group
Eligibility: Singers ages 16 -26 living or studying full time in one of the following counties – Amador, Calaveras, Fresno, Madera, Mariposa, Merced, Sacramento, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Tuolumne or Yolo.
This competition is open to complete beginners and advanced/refined young singers alike with cash prizes in age categories 16-18, 19-22, and 23-26. Many participants in the competition have received performance opportunities through Opera Modesto.
COMPETITION REQUIREMENTS
– All music must be memorized.
– Singers 16-18: Two classical pieces with two languages represented. One musical theater
selection may be substituted for one of the classical songs.
– Singers 19-22: Two classical pieces with two languages represented – one art song or oratorio
aria and one opera aria
– Singers 23-26: One art song and two opera arias with at least two languages represented. An
oratorio aria may be substituted for one of the opera arias.
AWARDS
One or more cash awards, at the discretion of the judges, will be awarded in each of the three
age categories.
– 16-18 years old: 1st prize $200
– 19-22 years old: 1st prize $300
– 23-26 years old: 1st prize $500
HOW TO APPLY
Application, resume, contact information, headshot and audition repertoire must be submitted
to YAP Tracker (no cost to register or apply). https://www.yaptracker.com/applications/opera-modesto-2025
Application deadline is March 7, midnight PST.
AUDITION TIME & LOCATION
Successful applicants will be notified of their time slot and audition location by email, which
must be confirmed by a response from the applicant.
INFORMATION/QUESTIONS
Contact Barbara Wesley: barbarabwesley@gmail.com
2024 Winners
16-18:
First Place: Elizabeth Neumeyer, Mezzo-soprano
Second Place: Philomena Iorns, Soprano


19-22:
First Place: Landon Horstman, baritone
Second Place Tie: Mia Janosik, Mezzo-soprano and Katie Overton, Soprano
Honorable Mention: Isabelle Ceballos, Soprano




23-26:
First Place: Keneth Dulay, Countertenor
Second Place: Stephanie Ortiz, Soprano
Honorable Mention: Maura Ortega, Mezzo-soprano



This competition took place on March 9, 2024.
*16 – 18 age category prizes underwritten by: Red Tie Arts
*The 19-22 and 23-26 age category prizes are underwritten by: The Wayne and Donna Pierce Trans-California Pathway Project
Congratulations to all who participated and thank you to the 2024 judges and volunteers!