Annapolis Opera is preparing to cap its 44th season with an annual favorite — a vocal competition that over 28 years has become one of the most renowned in the Mid-Atlantic region.

Held at Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts, the competition spans a weekend, with semifinals scheduled for Saturday, April 29 and finals Sunday, April 30.

In the past, the annual vocal competition has given the public a chance to hear many talented singers between the ages of 20 and 35. The competition remains free to attend through a grant from The Helena Foundation.

The event gives contestants the opportunity to perform for a prestigious panel of judges comprised of music educators and opera performers. There are actually multiple panels of judges — preliminary round judges select semifinalists from more than 100 applicants. Semifinals judges will select eight finalists and two alternates to compete in the finals concert. Prizes total more than $10,000 with each finalist receiving from $500 to $3,500.

For additional vocal competition information, call the Annapolis Opera office at 410-267-8135 or go to annapolisopera.org.

The competition caps an Annapolis Opera season that reached new performance heights with Giacomo Puccini’s “Madama Butterfly” at Maryland Hall. This emotionally transporting production was enjoyed by large, appreciative audiences.

Though now a sweet memory, “Butterfly” cannot pass without accolades for soprano Eleni Calenos, who defined the role vocally and dramatically. Calenos displayed a dancer’s grace, enhancing her geisha credibility, while her dramatic fire intensified her arias.

Such drama was notable in her definitive “Un Bel Di Vedremo,” later followed in her joyous “Flower Duet” sung in close harmony with devoted maid Suzuki, wellplayed by Kathryn Leemhuis. Young tenor Jason Slayden was equally outstanding as B.F. Pinkerton, displaying both power and versatility in voice and acting.

Musical contributions of artistic director and conductor Ronald J. Gretz contributed greatly to the production excellence, and stage director Braxton Peters presented seamless stage action.

The attractive authentic set lent by Salt Marsh Opera was perfectly suited to the Maryland Hall stage space, and Annapolis Opera’s revered veteran costume designer Lorraine vom Saal attained new heights with her gorgeous costumes, especially her breathtaking array of wedding kimonos.

“Madama Butterfly” was not the only show making this season so memorable for Annapolis Opera. Earlier, the troupe presented its first fully staged Broadway classic in a stellar revival of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “South Pacific” that delighted capacity audiences at sold-out performances.

Again, Gretz and Peters combined to offer a stellar experience in presenting the timeless “South Pacific” story with new and exciting life.

For some, the vocal competition that will close Annapolis Opera’s season this month will seem an encore performance, a chance to appreciate again what this group does for the Annapolis entertainment scene.

To others, though, it’s a preview of coming attractions, whetting appetites for next season — and offering a glimpse of the stars who might shine in the near future.