About our Competition

In 1988, two philanthropists -- soprano Carmela Altamura, and attorney Leonard Altamura -- founded the Altamura/Caruso International Voice Competition. Created for singers on the threshold of a career, the competition functions under the umbrella of its parent nonprofit, Inter-Cities Performing Arts, Inc.

The young competition immediately established itself by instituting the then-unheard-of policy of abolishing age limits. Aware that existing limits did not allow for the late-maturing, dramatic, Verdi voice, and by careful scrutiny of more mature applicants' achievements, the founders decided to trust their instincts by opening up the door of opportunity to them, as well as to younger singers.

This policy paid off in dividends they could scarcely have imagined. Competition winners Angela Brown, soprano, Audrey Stottler, soprano, and Kim Josephson, baritone, went on to sing title roles at the Metropolitan Opera, La Scala, and New York City Opera, while Heather Myers, contralto, Eugenie Grunewald, mezzo soprano, Anna Shafajinskaya, soprano, and Lawrence Harris, baritone, performed title roles at the Vienna Staatsoper, Berlin State Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Houston Grand Opera, San Francisco Opera, and the major opera houses of the world.

There were other innovations as well, including behind-screen auditions, following the age- and colorblind policies of major world orchestras. Regarded as a radical new step, this practice was soon emulated by other prestigious voice competitions throughout the world.

The Altamura Competition has taken place in Italy, Gibraltar, New Jersey, the Altamura Center for the Arts in upstate New York, and at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center in New York City. In 2011, auditions will be held in Canada and Italy in addition to New York.

The competition takes especial pride in its careful follow up and support of participants. In addition to generous cash grants, winners and finalists are provided with concert opportunities, often before major artists' managements. Coaching, master classes and instruction are also available.

Inter-Cities' philosophy is to improve ethnic, social, professional and cultural relations throughout the world. Our competition asks that winners add a third dimension to their careers by serving as ambassadors of culture and peace. Having learned from the trials and triumphs of the past, we accept with humility the work of the present while embracing the ambition, challenge and calling of the future.

Ad memoriam. The founders dedicate the 2011 Altamura/Caruso International Voice Competition to world-renowned mezzo soprano, Giulietta Simionato (1910-2010). One of the finest Italian opera singers of the 20th century, Ms. Simionato served as president of the jury in the first few years of the competition

Commissioned by Inter-Cities, her bronze bust, by sculptor Domenico Mazzone, resides in Founders Hall at the Metropolitan Opera.

It was the vision of Carmela Altamura to invite Giulietta Simionato to preside over the first juries. She knew that the great singer, having raised the bar exceptionally high for herself, would, in turn, expect the same from others. Ms. Simionato led by instinct and principle, and inspired us all by her uncompromising standards and incomparable artistry.