Twelve Years of Musical Achievement
— A Moment of Reflection with james toland—
As 2026 dawns, I find myself in a moment of reflection, accompanied by a deep sense of astonishment at what has been accomplished. When we began more than a decade ago, it was fueled by hope, belief, and a shared desire to support young singers at a pivotal moment in their development. What none of us could know at the outset was whether that hope would endure, whether the support would continue, or whether the vision could take root and flourish. And yet, more than twelve years later, the results speak for themselves: hundreds of singers supported, tens of thousands of dollars awarded, and countless doors opened to professional opportunity.
Lasting impact
INSERT PHOTO GRID OF FIRST COMPETITION
For singers just starting out, the challenges are rarely artistic alone. Financial realities are daunting: accompanists and coaching, music scores, audition and application fees, professional attire, travel, and the many practical details that accompany serious preparation. These necessities can easily become barriers, and JTVA has worked steadily to ease those challenges, providing tangible support that allows talent and dedication to flourish.
The impact of that support is evident in the paths many former finalists have gone on to follow. Many have appeared on the stages of major American opera companies, including the Metropolitan Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Houston Grand Opera, Los Angeles Opera, and San Francisco Opera. Others have built substantial and flourishing careers in Europe, with professional engagements throughout Germany, France, Spain and beyond. Each journey is unique, yet all reflect the enduring value of early encouragement and practical assistance. Over time, the reach of the JTVA Summer Vocal Competition has grown steadily, attracting applicants from across the United States and from an increasing number of countries around the world, including such far-flung places as Kyrgyzstan and Latvia—an expansion that reflects both the competition’s reputation and its widening community.
impactful connections
INSERT A PHOTO GRID OF PRIOR COMPETITORS WORKING ELSEWHERE
An important and enduring part of the JTVA experience has been the annual master classes and competition judging, offered by distinguished professionals from the opera world. For more than twelve years, former singers, conductors, and pedagogues have generously given their time to guide and evaluate finalists. Teachers and judges have included renowned figures such as composer Jake Heggie, mezzo-soprano Susanne Mentzer, mezzo-soprano Frederica von Stade, and Kedrick Armstrong, current Music Director of the Oakland Symphony, among others. Through master classes, finalists receive practical insight, artistic guidance, and encouragement at a formative stage.
Expert judging
INSERT PHOTO GRID OF MasterClass
The high-caliber judges deliberate thoughtfully each year to select first-, second-, and third-place winners. These sessions reflect the broader JTVA community: not only singers, donors, and board members, but also the audiences who attend both the competition events and master classes, listening closely and engaging thoughtfully in the process.
financial support
INSERT JUDGE PHOTO - do we have a candid one of laughter? OR GRID OF ALL PRIOR JUDGES
Importantly, JTVA is committed to ensuring that every finalist receives meaningful recognition and support. In addition to the first-, second-, and third-place awards, those finalists who do not receive a top prize are each awarded the Bonnie Bell Encouragement Award, which includes a minimum cash award of $2,000. This vital award is made possible through an annual gift from James Bell, given in memory of his wife, Bonnie, and ensures that encouragement, not disappointment, remains a lasting part of the JTVA experience.
support for black artists
PHOTO(S) OF JAMES BELL INTERACTING WITH SINGERS DURING EA MOMENTS
As 2025 came to a close, that generosity was further affirmed through a year-end challenge grant, in which a donor offered a $10,000 challenge gift that was fully met—resulting in an additional $10,000 in support for JTVA’s mission. That collective response stands as a meaningful vote of confidence in the work being done.
None of this would have been possible without the steadfast generosity of our donors. For twelve years, individuals who believe deeply in singers—and in the importance of supporting them early—have given faithfully. Those gifts are transformed directly into awards through our annual Summer Vocal Competition, as well as through the Elizabeth Greenfield Award, now in its fifth year.
The Elizabeth Greenfield Award honors the legacy of Elizabeth Taylor Greenfield—“The Black Swan”—a pioneering 19th-century artist whose courage and artistry expanded what was possible for generations to follow. Today, the award supports outstanding Black singers in the early stages of professional careers, providing meaningful financial assistance that helps advance their artistic paths while honoring Greenfield’s enduring influence.
board of directors
GREENFIELD GRID OF ALL PRIOR WINNERS
Central to JTVA’s longevity has been the work of its Board of Directors. Currently composed of eleven members, the Board has, over the years, benefited from the energy and insight of many thoughtful individuals who have come and gone. We are fortunate to have several continuing stalwarts, as well as new members who bring fresh perspective and renewed momentum. Importantly, many former board members remain involved in an ex officio capacity—continuing to offer guidance, financial generosity, and thoughtful engagement as JTVA plans for the future. That continuity of care has been one of the organization’s quiet strengths.
new horizons
BOARD HEADSHOT GRID, past and current
As JTVA moves into its next year, there is much ahead—new ideas, new directions, and changes that I look forward to sharing in a future issue of High Notes. I also want to invite everyone to the 2026 Summer Vocal Competition, with the master class on August 8 and the competition on August 9, all to be held at the Valley Center for the Performing Arts on the former campus of Holy Names University in Oakland, California. I hope you will join us in celebrating and witnessing the artistry, promise, and accomplishments of these extraordinary young singers.
For now, I remain deeply grateful for what has been built together—a record of achievement, community, and artistic excellence that continues to grow.
Thank you—for believing, for supporting, and for helping keep the music of song and singers alive.