The Metropolitan Opera has revealed plans to broaden the scope of the Eric and Dominique Laffont Competition by including South America.

Starting in the 2025–26 season, the initiative will launch in Santiago, Chile, encompassing a new South America Region with Districts in Argentina, Chile, and Colombia. This expansion is made possible through collaboration with the Fundación Ibañez Atkinson.

The competition invites vocalists aged 20–30 to participate in July, with their performances recorded on video and reviewed by the Met’s Artistic staff.

Singers who pass the initial evaluation will register and compete in their respective districts. Those who excel at the district level will advance to the regional competition held in Santiago, Chile. The winner(s) of the regional event will earn a spot in the 2026 National Semifinals at the Metropolitan Opera in New York in March.

Supported by numerous donors and volunteers, the Laffont Competition aims to identify and nurture emerging opera talent, fostering their professional growth. Notable past winners include Jamie Barton, Stephanie Blythe, Lawrence Brownlee, Anthony Roth Costanzo, Emily D’Angelo, Michael Fabiano, Renée Fleming, Susan Graham, Ryan Speedo Green, Lisette Oropesa, and Nadine Sierra.