Boston Conservatory at Berklee Hosts the National Opera Association’s 2026 Conference

Earlier this month, Boston Conservatory at Berklee found itself at the center of the nationwide opera conversation by hosting the National Opera Association (NOA) National Conference and competitions. Founded in 1945, the NOA supports opera education, performance, and scholarship in the United States, particularly within collegiate and young-artist training programs. Boston Conservatory has strong ties to NOA, one of them being Chair of Vocal Arts Isaí Jess Muñoz, who just completed his post as president of the NOA. Through conferences, competitions, and professional exchange, the conference creates space for artists and educators to share ideas and shape the future of the art form.

One of the highlights of the conference was the Dominick Argento Chamber Opera Competition finals, which took place on the Boston Conservatory campus on January 7. Designed to encourage the creation of new chamber operas that can be produced by colleges, universities, and conservatories, this year’s finals featured excerpts from three selected works: the comical, fantastical story of The Haberdasher Prince by Rosabella Gregory and Dina Soraya Gregory, the haunting nautical tale of The Drifterman by Connie Harris, and the dreamlike exploration of the human psyche in So You May Breathe in Light by Theo Chandler and Lydia Hwang. These works offered a snapshot of the diverse voices and stories emerging in contemporary opera.

The scenes were performed by Boston Conservatory voice and opera students, who brought each piece to life with musicality, focus, and dramatic commitment. After each excerpt, the composers and librettists joined the performers onstage for a round of applause, and the finalists were evaluated by a panel of judges from across the US. So That You May Breathe in Light was named the winner, and will be performed in its entirety at the 2027 NOA conference in Minneapolis, MN.

In addition to the chamber opera competition, the Carolyn Bailey Argento Vocal Competition took place, offering emerging singers the chance to compete for over $15,000 in prizes. One of Boston Conservatory’s own, Claire Burreson (MM '26, opera), took home the third-place Vrenios Family Award in the Scholarship Division.

Through panels, workshops, master classes, and performances focused on opera education, new works, and the evolving role of opera in academic settings, the conference provided a rare opportunity to engage with industry professionals from across the country—all while participating in a national conversation about the future of opera.

Learn more about Boston Conservatory’s leading vocal arts programs.