The VANDA TREISER OPERA COMPETITION is a new annual competition for opera singers of all voice types made possible through a generous donation by VANDA TREISER INITIATIVES. It is open to CANADIAN CITIZENS and PERMANENT RESIDENTS who are a minimum of 21 years of age on October 11th, 2026, and will offer multiple prizes totaling $12,500.

The LIVE FINAL ROUND will take place on Sunday, October 11th, 2:30 pm at Trinity-St.Paul’s United Church, 427 Bloor Street West, Toronto.

Preliminary assessment of the video applications will be conducted by the Co-Artistic Directors of Highlands Opera Studio, Richard Margison, O.C., and Valerie Kuinka. Up to 8 Finalists will be chosen and required to present 2 arias in the live Final Round on October 11th for a jury of 5 judges (TBA). 

The following prizes will be awarded on October 11th after the performances and judges' deliberation:

• $5,000 - 1st Prize
• $3,000 - 2nd John Bailey Memorial Prize
• $1,500 - 3rd Prize
• $500 - Audience Choice Award
• $500 - 5 Finalist Prizes (awarded to finalists not awarded one of the top three
• prizes)

"We are absolutely thrilled to honour Vanda Treiser, cherished friend and longstanding member of the Highlands Opera Theatre Board of Directors, in this meaningful way on the occasion of the 20th Anniversary Year of Highlands Opera Studio,” says Valerie Kuinka, Vanda Treiser General & Co-Artistic Director of Highlands Opera Theatre/Studio. “This new annual competition will add another opportunity to showcase the incredible talent of Canadian operatic artists and offer some financial support to a few of the many accomplished Canadian classically trained singers striving to make a career at home and abroad.