For 20 years, a shared passion for music and education has united Alltech and the University of Kentucky in shaping the futures of hundreds of gifted vocalists by providing them an unparalleled opportunity to study at UK and perform with the esteemed UK Opera Theatre program.
The Alltech Vocal Scholarship Competition marked its 20th anniversary on Sunday at the UK Singletary Center for the Arts with 18 finalists taking the stage to compete for more than $700,000 in prizes and scholarships. The competition — one of the largest of its kind in the world — attracts top vocal performers from around the world, helping them overcome financial barriers to pursuing their musical dreams and paving their way to a successful career. It has also played a pivotal role in the rise of the UK Opera Theatre program, now widely regarded as one of the best in the nation.
The milestone event began with a special presentation by Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton, who declared March 2, 2025, as Alltech Vocal Scholarship Competition Day in Lexington.
“More than 200 students have been able to pursue their ambitions in opera, having opportunities to travel the world, perform, teach and inspire others,” said Mayor Gorton. “It is an honor to be here to celebrate the Alltech Vocal Scholarship Competition’s 20th anniversary.”
The proclamation recognized the competition as one of the legacies of Alltech founder Dr. Pearse Lyons, whose love for music and commitment to helping people “do what makes their hearts sing” inspired him to create this unique program with his friend, UK Opera Theatre Director Dr. Everett McCorvey. The mayor also acknowledged the ongoing support of Deirdre Lyons, Alltech cofounder and director of corporate image and design, and Dr. Mark Lyons, Alltech president and CEO, who continue to champion the program. Alltech is a global leader in sustainable agriculture that is headquartered in Central Kentucky.
Dr. McCorvey described the scholarship program as a “game-changer for us here at the university.”
“When Dr. Lyons first began talking about starting this competition, he said, ‘I want this to be the best competition in the world,’” Dr. McCorvey recalled. “So, I took a proposal to him, and he said, ‘OK, this is not big enough. Go back to your team and bring something bigger.’ So we did. We created a competition that is the best competition in the world for young singers.”
“UK Opera Theatre is a visionary program that helps singers reach their full potential while bringing art and joy to the community,” said Dr. Mark Lyons. “On this 20th anniversary, we celebrate not only the incredible talent on display but also the spirit of camaraderie and community that defines this competition.”
Making dreams come true for 20 years
Judges selected multiple winners in undergraduate and graduate categories. In addition to cash prizes, winners received scholarships to attend UK, including some full-tuition awards. This year’s competition featured six undergraduate competitors and 12 graduate student competitors.
The winners of the 2025 Alltech Vocal Scholarship Competition were:
Undergraduate student winners
Graduate student winners
Finalists were scored based on their voice, technical skill, interpretation and accuracy by five judges:
Since its inception, the Alltech Vocal Scholarship Competition has awarded more than $12 million in UK scholarships and prizes.
In addition to UK Opera Theatre productions, Alltech Vocal Scholars enrich the local community throughout the year with performances at the annual Alltech Celebration of Song, a free holiday concert at Alltech Arena at the Kentucky Horse Park, and the popular summer concert series “It’s a Grand Night for Singing.”
“Alltech has been a wonderful partner for us,” said Dr. McCorvey. “There’s a whole culture at Alltech of creating excellence and helping people to pursue their dreams.”
Learn more about the Alltech Vocal Scholarship Competition and watch the livestream of this year’s competition at alltech.com/vocal.
