Alltech Vocal Scholarship Competition: Empowering Operatic Dreams for Over Two Decades

The Alltech Vocal Scholarship Competition stands as a beacon for aspiring opera singers, providing substantial financial support and a platform to launch their careers. Initiated in 2006 by the late Dr. Pearse Lyons, the founder of Alltech and a passionate advocate for the arts, the competition has become one of the largest vocal scholarship opportunities in the world. Dr. Lyons' friendship with Dr. Everett McCorvey of the UK Opera Theatre sparked the idea for this transformative program. Over the past 20 years, the competition has awarded more than $12 million in scholarships and prizes, enabling over 200 students to pursue their operatic ambitions and receive an education in the arts.

A Legacy of Support for the Arts

Alltech and the Lyons family have long recognized the profound impact of the arts on society, believing that they foster creativity, imagination, and even healing. Dr. Lyons encouraged individuals to pursue their passions with vigor, urging them to "do what makes their heart sing." This philosophy is at the heart of the Alltech Vocal Scholarship Competition, which provides crucial support to talented young singers as they embark on their artistic journeys.

A Partnership with the UK Opera Theatre

The Alltech Vocal Scholarship Competition maintains a strong partnership with the UK Opera Theatre. This collaboration has been instrumental in enabling more than 200 students to pursue their operatic ambitions and receive an education in the arts. The competition not only provides financial assistance but also connects students with invaluable resources and mentorship opportunities within the UK Opera Theatre program.

Global Impact and Success Stories

The Alltech Vocal Scholarship Competition has had a global reach, attracting talented singers from around the world, including Brazil and Europe. Winners of the competition have gone on to achieve remarkable success in their careers, traveling the world to perform, teach, and inspire others. Their accomplishments serve as a testament to the transformative power of the competition and its impact on the world of opera.

One notable example is Reginald Smith Jr., the 2007 winner, who traveled all night by Greyhound bus from Atlanta with only his suit, a toothbrush, and a song. His dedication and talent exemplify the spirit of the competition and the determination of the aspiring vocalists it supports.

Competition Details and Awards

The Alltech Vocal Scholarship Competition is open to new voice students who plan on attending the UK School of Music. To be eligible, singers must apply to the university and be selected from their audition to compete for the scholarship. They must also be acceptable for admission to the university and enrolled as a full-time student.

Featured awards at the Alltech Vocal Scholarship Competition include Alltech Graduate Prizes and two major vocal awards for undergraduate students. One of the awards includes a $7,500 cash prize plus a full graduate assistantship to UK and a $10,000 stipend. In 2011, the competition was expected to draw a record number of top young singers with more than $300,000 in prizes, including full scholarships to the University of Kentucky.

Humanitarian Involvement

The Alltech Vocal Scholarship Competition has also fostered humanitarian involvement among its participants. Following the devastating earthquake in Haiti in January 2010, Alltech President Pearse Lyons quickly responded by assessing ways in which his company could contribute to the rebuilding efforts. One of the ideas that emerged was to connect the UK music program with the children of a small Haitian village, demonstrating the competition's commitment to using music as a tool for healing and community development.

Supporting the Dreams of Aspiring Vocalists

The public is encouraged to attend the competition to enjoy and support the dreams of these aspiring vocalists. By witnessing their talent and dedication, audience members can gain a deeper appreciation for the arts and the importance of supporting young artists.

Alltech: A Legacy of Innovation and Support

Founded by Pearse Lyons, Alltech is a global animal health and nutrition company with 30 years’ experience in developing natural products that are scientifically proven to enhance animal health and performance. Alltech's commitment to innovation and its support for the Alltech Vocal Scholarship Competition demonstrate its dedication to making a positive impact on both the animal health industry and the arts community.

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Community Partners

The Alltech Vocal Scholarship Competition is supported by a network of community partners who share its commitment to the arts and education. Bryant's Rent-All, a family-owned business serving Central Kentucky's special events and equipment needs since 1953, provides essential support for the competition. The Lexington Opera Society, whose mission is to enhance the general public's awareness and appreciation of opera in central Kentucky and throughout the Commonwealth, also plays a vital role in supporting the competition and the opera program at UK.

Renee Shaw: A Champion of Kentucky Stories

Renee Shaw, a prominent figure in Kentucky media, has played a significant role in highlighting the Alltech Vocal Scholarship Competition and other important stories from across the state. As the host of Kentucky Edition, a 2024 Ohio Valley Chapter Regional Emmy Award-nominated program, Shaw summarizes recent major developments and goes beyond the headlines to highlight Kentucky’s fascinating people, places and happenings with stories produced by KET’s award-winning public affairs team. Kentucky Edition tells the stories of communities and people who go out of their way to make a positive difference in Kentucky.

Shaw's dedication to journalism and her commitment to elevating important issues have earned her numerous accolades, including induction into the Silver Circle of the NATAS and the Kentucky Civil Rights Hall of Fame. She has also been honored with Women Leading Kentucky’s Governor Martha Layne Collins Leadership Award and recognized as a “Kentucky Trailblazer” by the University of Kentucky Martin School of Public Policy and Administration.

Other Key Contributors

Kelsey Starks, host of KET’s educational current events show, News Quiz, brings more than 20 years of experience as a broadcast journalist to her role. Laura Rogers, a multimedia journalist, shares the stories of everyday Kentuckians doing extraordinary things. Their contributions help to amplify the reach and impact of the Alltech Vocal Scholarship Competition and other important initiatives in the state.

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