The Kristina Townsend 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. Many participants in the competition have received performance opportunities through Opera Modesto.
The annual competition will take place in Modesto (in person only) on Saturday, March 7th, 2026 from 10:00am-1:00pm. Applications due March 1st: https://www.yaptracker.com/applications/opera-modesto-2026/
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.
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.
Singers 16-18: 1st prize $200
Singers 19-22: 1st prize $300
Singers 23-26: 1st place $500
HOW TO APPLY
There is no cost to apply. Please use this link and apply today! Applications due March 1st: https://www.yaptracker.com/applications/opera-modesto-2026/
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 for more information: barbarabwesley@gmail.com
2025 WINNERS
16-18 Division
- 1st Place Tie Bella Dávila & Philomena Iorns
- 2nd Place Luna Salvador
- 3rd Place Amanda Remy
- Encouragement Award Michael Henslee
19-22 Division
- 1st Place Elizabeth Neumeyer
- 2nd Place Marcus Teixeira
- 3rd Place Jordan Yang
- Honorable Mention Gino Adaoag
23-26 Division
- 1st Place Emily Lopez
- 2nd Place Hanna Staley
- 3rd place Brianna Brock
