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Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition

Opera singer performing

The Metropolitan Opera Eric and Dominique Laffont Competition is designed to discover promising young opera singers and assist in the development of their careers.

Founded in 1954 as the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions, the competition is sponsored by the Metropolitan Opera National Council, including members and volunteers from across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Noted singers who got their start in the auditions include Renée Fleming, Susan Graham, Stephanie Blythe, Eric Owens, Lawrence Brownlee, Lisette Oropesa, Jamie Barton, Michael Fabiano, Anthony Roth Costanzo, Ryan Speedo Green, and Nadine Sierra.

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Opera Singer performing

Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition

Recipients with NEC Affiliations

2023

Anthony León ’21 MM
Winner; Student of Bradley Williams

Yuntong Han ‘21
Finalist; Student of MaryAnn McCormick

2021

Erica Petrocelli ’14, ’16 MM, ’18 AD
Finalist; Student of Bradley Williams

2011

Michelle Johnson ’05
Winner; Student of Helen Hodam and William Cotten

2004

Claudia Huckle ’05 DP
Winner; Student of Heidi Skok and Susan Clickner

1999

Barbara Quintiliani ’99
Winner; Student of Kathleen Kaun and Patricia Craig

1984

Lisa Saffer ’84 MM, ’86 AD
Winner; Student of Helen Hodam
Alumna and NEC faculty member

1977

Vincent Cole
Winner; Former NEC faculty

1963

Justino Diaz ’63, ’86 hon. DM
Winner; Student of Boris Goldovsky and Frederick Jagel

Junetta Jones ’63 MM
Winner; Student of Gladys Miller

1959

Ronald Holgate ’59
Winner; Student of Boris Goldovsky