Opera Index, an outgrowth of The New York Opera Club, was founded in the late 1950's by William Wells for the purpose of offering social interaction in the world of opera for his friends. The vehicle chosen to do this was a series of interviews with opera singers. In 1980 it was decided to expand the organization so as to provide awards to singers through a vocal competition. This required the creation of a non-profit organization.

Opera Index was incorporated in 1982 as a 501(C)(3) non-profit organization. The name referred to an index kept by William Wells which had a listing of known opera singers at that time - a most unusual name that has persisted despite the fact that the index no longer exists.

The vocal competition began in 1984 with such winners as Susanne Mentzer and Jo-Ann Pickens. As of 2008, 282 singers have been given awards. A full list can be found here. This year Opera Index will be giving out a total of $41,000 in awards.

Opera Index award winners singing at the Metropolitan Opera this season include: Stephanie Blythe (1996); Michelle DeYoung (1994); Christine Goerke (1995); Oren Gradus (2003); Susan Graham (197); Tamara Mumford (2005); Eric Owens (1993); Dimitri Pittas (2005); Deborah Voigt (1988); Maria Zifchak (1999).

The winter gala, our major fund raiser, began in 1983 with soprano Zinka Milanov. Since 1985 major persons in the world of opera have been honored at these galas. Up to 1995 the gala was held in December. Beginning in 1997 the gala has been held in January as it is this year.

The list of honorees are: Leonie Rysenik (1985); Samuel Ramey (1986); Roberta Peters (1987); Licia Albanese (1988); Marilyn Horne (1988); Jamila Nvotna (1990); Alfredo Kraus (1991); Lucine Amara and Jerome Hines (1992); Birgit Nilsson (1993); Renato Scotto (1994); Rose Bampton and Theodor Uppman (1995); Anna Moffo (1997); Grace Bumbry (1998); Martina Arroyo (1999); George Jellinek (2000); Deborah Voigt (2001); Jon Vickers (2002); Regina Resnik (2003); Sherrill Milnes (2004); James Morris (2005); Catherine Malfitano (2006); Jessye Norman (2007); Aprile Millo (2008), and this January 2009 Julius Rudel.

The galas are held at the Jumeirah Essex House in the Grand Salon on Central Park South.