Announcing our 2026 Finalists!
Light Opera of New Jersey (LONJ) will host its third annual Stars of Tomorrow, a vocal competition for New Jersey High School students. The competition will consist of a qualifying round based on videos submitted online, followed by the live finals event on April 19th at 2:00 PM at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 140 S. Finley Avenue, Basking Ridge, NJ. Finalists are judged by a panel of highly qualified experts with professional background in both Operetta/Opera and Musical Theater. The grand prize is $1000 and an appearance in an upcoming LONJ Main Stage production, $500 for second place and $250 for third place as determined by the judges; plus $100 for the winner of the audience favorite award. The top three winners will also receive a full scholarship to participate in the inaugural year of the new Light Opera Youth Ensemble 2026, including workshops with professional coaches and vocal teachers, and various performance opportunities.

Tickets are available in advance at THIS LINK (Children under 13 Free but ticket required, Students with ID: $20, General Admission: $35, General Admission with Reception: $45).  Please note that all prices other than Children under 13 will be $5 higher at the door, so buy in advance and save.

2026 Finalist Judges

Lauran Corson: Soprano, Voice Teacher, and Co-Founder Light Opera of New Jersey

Karen Driscoll: Soprano and Head of Artistic Operations/Opera, Montclair State University

Maya Sypert: Mezzo-Soprano and Voice Professor, University of Hawaii

Susan Speidel: Actor, Director, Arts Educator, and newly appointed Shari Loe Youth in Arts Director of Light Opera of New Jersey

Jason Tramm: Internationally acclaimed Conductor and Artistic Director, Light Opera of New Jersey