Young Singing Stars Shine In a $815,000 Night Of Houston Grand Opera Magic

Soaring and Setting Records

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Houston Grand Opera's 38th annual Concert of Arias, the final round of the Eleanor McCollum Competition for Young Singers, raised a record-breaking $815,000 and featured inspiring performances by up-and-coming opera talents.

Why it matters

The Concert of Arias is a prestigious event that showcases the next generation of opera stars, while also serving as a major fundraiser for Houston Grand Opera. The record-breaking amount raised highlights the community's strong support for the arts and the opera company's ability to cultivate young musical talent.

The details

Seven finalists, chosen from 18 semifinalists from around the globe, took the stage - two sopranos, one mezzo-soprano and two tenors. First place honors and a $25,000 prize went to soprano Scarlett Jones, who performed 'Dich, teure Halle' from Tannhäuser by Richard Wagner. Tenor Misael Corralejo earned second place with a $15,000 prize for his rendition of 'Fra poco a me ricovero' from Lucia di Lammermoor by Gaetano Donizetti, and also won the Audience Choice Award, earning an additional $5,000.

  • The 38th annual Concert of Arias took place on February 12, 2026.

The players

Houston Grand Opera

A renowned opera company based in Houston, Texas that hosts the annual Eleanor McCollum Competition for Young Singers and Concert of Arias.

Patrick Summers

The artistic and music director of Houston Grand Opera who conducted the HGO orchestra for the Concert of Arias performances.

Scarlett Jones

A soprano who won first place and a $25,000 prize for her performance of 'Dich, teure Halle' from Tannhäuser by Richard Wagner.

Misael Corralejo

A tenor who earned second place with a $15,000 prize for his rendition of 'Fra poco a me ricovero' from Lucia di Lammermoor by Gaetano Donizetti, and also won the Audience Choice Award, earning an additional $5,000.

Drs. Rachel and Warren Ellsworth IV

Dedicated Houston Grand Opera supporters who chaired the exceptional Concert of Arias evening.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

The Concert of Arias showcases the incredible talent and potential of young opera singers, while also serving as a vital fundraiser for Houston Grand Opera. The record-breaking amount raised this year underscores the community's deep appreciation for the arts and the opera company's ability to cultivate the next generation of musical stars.