Onstage company
Documented collaborators
The National Council Grand Finals Concert, originally born from the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions (MONC) in 1954, now proudly carries the Eric and Dominique Laffont Competition name. This esteemed program has launched the careers of some of opera's most celebrated voices, including Renée Fleming, Susan Graham, Jamie Barton, Michael Fabiano, and Nadine Sierra. The Grand Finals Concert brings finalists to the Metropolitan Opera stage, performing with the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, with cash prizes awarded to the top contestants. While the national tour format has evolved, the program remains active regionally across the US and Canada, culminating in the Grand Finals in New York City at the Metropolitan Opera. Browse bios, listen to highlights, and plan your next opera experience with confidence—we’ve got you covered.