The fourth annual Vista Competition for New Opera showcases new contemporary opera and is an American-Idol-style competition for new works by composers from around the world. 

In November, six semi-finalists from three countries were selected. Excerpts from each work will be performed and a panel of judges – including composer Daron Hagen and the director and founder of the Moores Opera Center, Buck Ross – will critique them. The audience will vote to select which operas will advance, and the winner will receive $1,500 and a full production of their opera at the next year's festival.

This year’s festival will also include the Texas premiere of the winning opera from the 2010 Opera Vista Festival, And Then I Remember by Lembit Beecher, in collaboration with Sara Draper and Dancepatheatre.

Competition schedule:
University of Houston Moores School of Music
March 16, 8 p.m.  - Semi-Finals
March 18, 8 p.m.  - Finals

Performance and reception schedule:
Bethany Christian Church
March 12, 8 p.m. - And Then I Remember performance and opening reception
March 17, 8 p.m. - Chamber music concert
March 19, 8 p.m. - And The I Remember performance, award and closing reception