In 1988, two philanthropists, soprano Carmela Altamura and attorney Leonard Altamura,
founded the Altamura/Caruso International Voice Competition. Created for singers on the
threshold of an international career, the competition functions under the umbrella of its
parent non-profit, Inter-Cities Performing Arts, Inc. The competition immediately
established itself by instituting the then-unheard-of policy of abolishing age requirements.
Aware that existing limits did not allow for the late-maturing, dramatic voice, and by
careful scrutiny of more mature applicants’ achievements, the founders decided to trust
their instincts by opening the door of opportunity to more mature as well as to younger
singers. This policy paid off in unexpected dividends.