Our Story
SINCE ITS INCEPTION IN 2016, THE PASADENA VOCAL COMPETITION, TOGETHER WITH THE GENEROUS SUPPORT OF THE PASADENA AREA OPERA TRUST, HAS AWARDED OVER $20,000 IN CASH PRIZES ANNUALLY.
The Pasadena Vocal Competition (formerly Mentoris) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to financially supporting classical singers and promoting community interest in opera. Every year, PVC awards over $20,000 annually through the Pasadena Area Opera Trust. The Trust was established by the patrons of the Pasadena Opera Guild: a beloved organization that championed young opera singers and funded annual in-school opera performances for Pasadena elementary school children from 1967 to 2018.
Our yearly live competition is free and open to the public, providing Angelenos the opportunity to hear emerging opera stars before they ascend to the world’s greatest stages. PVC winners have graced the stages of the Los Angeles Opera, San Francisco Opera, Santa Fe Opera, and The Metropolitan Opera, as well as on international stages worldwide.
Our goal is simple: to promote community interest and enjoyment of opera through the financial support of rising stars. Numerous generous patrons have also created awards in their names, including soprano Angel Blue, mezzo-soprano Milena Kitic, baritone Rod Gilfry, and esteemed actor Courtney V. Bass. We invite you to make a donation in any amount to help these exceptionally talented young singers further their studies and careers. Thank you for your generosity and support.
Our Mission
Going beyond our core responsibility of financially supporting the future stars of opera, our mission is to infuse the City of Pasadena with the splendor of this art form. Through strategic investments in emerging operatic talent through our annual competition, we seek to cultivate a profound sense of ownership among our residents, contributing to the cultural richness of our city.