Opera Index, an outgrowth of The New York Opera Club, was founded in the late 1950Ős 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. The program was so successful that organization grew to 100 members

In 1984, Opera Index blossomed by beginning a Vocal Competition for young singers. The major winners from the Competition were presented at the Winter Gala. To add prestige to the Gala, a great opera singer was honored.

The first honoree was Zinka Milanov. Subsequent honorees have included: Birgit Nilsson, Leonie Rysanek, Marilyn Horne, Roberta Peters, Samuel Ramey, Anna Moffo, Grace Bumbry, Rose Bampton, Theodor Uppman, Renato Scotto, Martina Arroyo, Regina Resnik, Jon Vickers, Sherrill Milnes, James Morris, Catherine Malfitano, Jessye Norman, and Aprile Millo.