The GSVC Story
More than a decade ago, George Shirley had a vision to provide a stage for the preservation of the African American Art Song. This vision included concern that African American vocal students in Detroit were no longer receiving the music education that was once an integral part of Detroit’s education. Marrying this with his passion for mentoring the next generation of operatic stars, the George Shirley Vocal Competition (GSVC) was born. He entrusted one of his former students, Dr. Louise Toppin, to work with him to make this vision a reality.
Read more about GSVC founder George Shirley
George Shirley
Louise Toppin
The first competition was held in 2011 in Detroit, Michigan, and the inaugural competition was part of the annual Detroit Spiritual Festival. In the ensuing years, the competition moved to Wayne State University (2013), Kerrytown Concert House (2014), and the Detroit Opera House (2015 & 2016) in partnership with Detroit Opera. In 2017, the GSVC found its permanent home when it held its first competition at the University of Michigan.
In addition to finding a home, the competition has expanded beyond its roots as solely a high school competition to one that now boasts five distinct divisions for vocalists and composers of all ethnicities – high school, college, pre-professional, international – and a division for composers. GSVC has also introduced Special Prizes which provide opportunities to recognize the talent of many more of our competitors, in addition to the existing 3 Placement Prizes in each category. In 2012, we introduced the first such prize to honor Willis Patterson – the $1,000 Willis Patterson Prize for Art Song – and have added 17 new Special Prizes, with more than $50,000 awarded in prizes annually.
In keeping with the GSVC vision, in addition to winning prize money, competitors have the opportunity to form friendships with fellow competitors and receive mentorship from the many artists and judges in attendance. These connections are invaluable for young people applying to graduate schools and looking for entry into the music industry.
Competitors can also attend events while at GSVC. They hear a welcome concert by guest artists, participate in master classes with renowned artists, take a class on the performance practice and history of spirituals, learn about research and available African American repertoire resources, and occasionally attend an opera by an African American composer at the Detroit Opera House as they did in 2025 (Anthony Davis’s Central Park Five).
With the 2025 competition, we entered a new phase as we transitioned our full operation to the University of Michigan. Michigan has been a leader in the education of African American song, the promotion of diverse voices, and as a space welcoming to those of all ethnicities. GSVC is looking forward to the future with the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance (SMTD).
Show Your Support
Each year, the George Shirley Vocal Competition (GSVC) continues to advance its mission of encouraging the study of African American composition and vocal repertoire and fostering the talents of students of all ethnicities. With the help of donations from supporters such as you, we hope to inspire the talents of the next generation of singers and composers.
