I would urge every young singer to acquaint himself, better to immerse himself, in all of the arts. The cultivated and versatile human being can be sensed in the work of every distinguished artist.... It is the attention to such details which will make the difference between talented singers and compelling artists. - George London, Master Class, Cincinnati, 1968

About the George London Foundation

The George London Foundation for Singers is a non-profit organization which has been giving awards for over thirty-five years to outstanding young professional opera singers during their early careers, often a financially difficult time. George London, remembering his own struggle, wished to make the road to success a little easier for future generations of singers.

Initially created under the auspices of the National Opera Institute, the awards program has been administered since 1990 directly by the Foundation in New York as a living legacy to George London’s own exceptional talent and generosity. The Foundation sponsors an annual juried competition in New York City for American and Canadian singers and more than $55,000 is awarded annually to the most promising performers. Outstanding artists, such as Christine Brewer, Renée Fleming, Catherine Malfitano, James Morris, Matthew Polenzani, Sondra Radvanovsky, Neil Shicoff, and Dawn Upshaw, received George London Awards in the early stages of their careers.

A further career development opportunity is given through the Vienna Prize, a two-week residency in Austria where the prize winner receives an audition with the Vienna Opera and intensive musical coaching in German repertoire and language.

The Foundation began a series of concerts at the Morgan Library in New York in 1995, giving grantees exposure as they share the recital stage with an international artist. Each season consists of three recitals pairing one wellknown artist with a young emerging George London Award winner. Recitalists in the past several years have included Renée Fleming, Thomas Hampson, James Morris, René Pape, Samuel Ramey, Frederica von Stade, Bryn Terfel, and Dawn Upshaw and, with these concerts, the Foundation has sponsored the New York debuts of many award winners. These recitals are taped for delayed broadcast on WQXR.

In order to offer winners thorough training with a great singer, the Foundation organizes workshops and a public master class. Recent sessions have been given by Evelyn Lear, Sherrill Milnes, Roberta Peters, Regina Resnik, Susanne Mentzer and Catherine Malfitano.

The George London Foundation for Singers is a non-profit corporation supported by tax-deductible contributions from individuals, corporations and foundations.

For information concerning the George London Foundation, its programs, competitions and giving opportunities, please contact:
The George London Foundation for Singers, Inc.
P.O. Box 231276
New York, New York 10023
TEL: 212/877-6347
FAX: 212/877-6348
E-MAIL: INFO@GEORGELONDON.ORG