American Opera Initiative (2026-27)

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This application is for the 2026-2027 round of Washington National Opera's American Opera Initiative.

Successful applicants must be able to be present at a piano/vocal workshop in Washington, DC from September 16-19, 2026, as well as a rehearsal and premiere period at the Kennedy Center from January 11-16, 2027.

Please contact Cafritz Young Artists at CYA@kennedy-center.org with any questions regarding this application. For technical help, please contact help@yaptracker.com.

Legal Name*

Professional Name (if different)

What are your pronouns?*

What is your age?*

Address line 1*

Address line 2

City*

State/Province*

Please use the standard 2 letter state abbreviation where applicable (NY, TX, AZ etc.)

Zip/Postal Code*

Country*

Primary Phone*

No spaces, dashes etc. phone number fields

Secondary Phone

No spaces, dashes etc. phone number fields

E-mail address*

Are you applying as a Composer or Librettist?*

Composer

Librettist

Are you currently eligible to work in the US?*

Yes

Are you currently a student?*

Yes

How did you learn about the American Opera Initiative?*

Maximum number of selections permitted: 5

Washington National Opera website

YAP Tracker

Teacher Recommendation*

School/Other Training Program*

Other*

*Please specify:

References

Please give details of three artistic authorities (directors, conductors, coaches, voice teachers) with whom you have worked and who may act as references. Only one of your references may be a voice teacher. References will not be contacted unless you are moved on to the finalist stage of auditions.

1. Name*

Affiliation*

Phone

E-mail

2. Name*

Affiliation*

Phone

E-mail

3. Name*

Affiliation*

Phone

E-mail

Resume*

Please upload your resume

You must be signed in to add your resume.

Please write a 500-word statement in response to the following.*

What draws you to opera? How will the opportunity offered by AOI advance your current artistic practice?

Work Samples - Composers

Please upload a total of at least three composition samples in audio or video format, no more than 10 minutes in length. Maximum number of audio and/or video (combined total) permitted: 1

You must be signed in to add audio files.

Work Samples - Composers

Please upload a total of at least three composition samples in audio or video format, no more than 10 minutes in length. Maximum number of selections permitted: 1

You must be signed in to add videos.

Work Samples - Librettists

Please upload a total of at least three writing samples in PDF format. Maximum number of documents permitted: 1

You must be signed in to add your resume.