Butler Opera International Competition

Dr Tamar Sanikidze is the Director of our competition, and the Sarah and Ernest Butler Endowed Professor in Opera at The University of Texas, where she is director, producer, and principal coach of the Butler Opera Center. She is an official pianist and Chorus Master for Operalia, the World Opera Competition, and a faculty member at Music Academy of the West. Read more about her distinguished career on our website- https://music.utexas.edu/boic

Our panel of judges represent the best of our industry, and will award over $35,000 in cash prizes at our October 1 competition. Apply today!

ONE MONTH until applications are due for our Fall, 2026 competition. Sing for our world-class panel of judges for a chance to earn our $10,000 Grand Prize. Over $35,000 will be awarded. All the details and a link to apply through YAP TRACKER can be found in our website: https://music.utexas.edu/boic.

Congratulations to David Lomelí, a member of our judges panel in 2025 and 2026. He has been named the Kern Wildenthal General Director and CEO of The Dallas Opera, effective June 1, 2026. Read all the details: https://operawire.com/david-lomeli-named-general-director-ceo-of-the-dallas-opera/