F L A G S H I P P R O G R A M
Benjamin Matthews Vocal Competition
Honoring a legacy. Elevating the next generation.
The BMVC is Opera Ebony's signature program and one of the most important platforms for emerging operatic talent both in the America and internationally. Named for our founder, it carries forward his lifelong conviction that extraordinary voices deserve extraordinary opportunities.
Since its inception, the competition has identified and elevated singers at pivotal moments in their careers, providing prize money, visibility, mentorship, and direct connections to Opera Ebony's network.
2027 Finals
DATE: TBA
VENUE: TBA, New York, NY
TIME: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
ADMISSION: Open to the general public
Open to singers ages [21–35] of all nationalities are welcomed to apply
Training in the operatic, classical, or spiritual repertoire required
Application deadline: TBA
Entry fee: $35
Eligibility
Prizes
Over $20,000 in total prizes between Emerging and Young Artists Divisions.
Young Artists
1st Prize: $2,500
2nd Prize: $1,500
3rd Prize: $1,000
Emerging Artists
1st Prize: $5,000
2nd Prize: $3,000
3rd Prize: $2,000
Past Winners
2025 - Alicia Russell Tagret, Soprano | Ricky Walker, Jr., Countertenor | Lynnesha Crump, Soprano | Teddy Belfour Austin, Tenor | Ella Vaughn, Soprano | Judah Taylor, Baritone | Hanna Frampton, Soprano | John Solomon Collins , Bass | Travis Guillory, Tenor | 2023 - Kyaunnee Richardson, Soprano | Daniel Rich, Baritone | David Morgans, Tenor | Shavon Lloyd, Baritone | Justice Yates, Baritone | Demetrious Sampson, Jr., Tenor | Morgan-Andrew King, Bass | 2021 - Raven McMillon, Soprano | Rachel Moore, Soprano |. Christian Simmons, Bass Baritone | Brianna J. Robinson, Soprano | Shana Oshiro, Soprano | Nazarene Maloney, Soprano | 2019 - Jeremiah Sanders, Baritone | Edwin Davis, Bass | Brittany Rumph, Soprano | Carami Hilaire, Soprano | Allan P. Chan, Tenor | Daniel Rich, Baritone | Kevin Johnson, Baritone | Victoria Davis, Soprano | 2017 - Nelson Ebo, Tenor | Chivonne Perkins, Soprano | Kyaunnee’s Richardson, Soprano | Helena Brown, Soprano | Keenan McCarter, Baritone | LaToya Lewis, Soprano | 2015 - Will Liverman, Baritone | Brandie Sutton, Soprano | Galeano Salas, Tenor | Yunnie Park, Soprano | 2014 - Justin Austin, Baritone | Brian K. Major, Baritone | Quentin Oliver Lee, Baritone | Patrick Dailey, Countertenor | Leah Hawkins, Soprano | Meghan Picerno, Soprano | Lauren Michelle, Soprano