Starting in 1972, Seattle Opera developed an annual audition whose three top winners went into a yearlong training program in music, drama, and diction, with instruction by Seattle Opera staff and visiting artists and frequent performance opportunities, including the mainstage. The auditions drew singers from several states. Winners also received cash awards presented by the Seattle Opera Guild. By the time the program ended in 1982, audition winners were touring in their own productions of operas such as Le nozze di Figaro (1979) and Così fan tutte (1981).

The auditions were named for Cecilia Schultz, pictured here with violinist Fritz Kreisler. A famous Seattle impresaria for many years and founder of Seattle Opera’s predecessor, Northwest Grand Opera. Schultz had also furnished and decorated a reception room in the Opera House with her archive of artist photos and her own grand piano.