History

In 1976, the D’Angelos were asked to support Mercyhurst University’s fledgling piano competition and the D’Angelo Young Artist Competition was born.

It was later expanded to include string instruments and voice and continued for 25 years. Applicants came from all over the world and many of the artists continued to win other prestigious competitions and perform with major national and international orchestras and opera companies, including the New York Philharmonic and The Metropolitan Opera. The internationally-successful program ended in 2001 shortly after Dr. D’Angelo’s retirement.

Dr. D’Angelo passed away in November 2014. Since then, his youngest daughter, Gina, the chair of the Opera Tampa League board of directors, and Mary. D’Angelo have re-introduced the competition in Tampa, Florida.

Opera Tampa is proud to continue this esteemed tradition of inspiring young artists to pursue their operatic careers and is introducing the inaugural D’Angelo Young Artist Vocal Competition in honor of Dr. and Mrs. D’Angelo.