PRIZEWORTHY

Winners of The American Prize in Vocal Performance - Friedrich and Virginia Schorr Memorial Awards,

2011-2014

The American Prize in Vocal Performance—Friedrich and Virginia Schorr Memorial Award, honors the memory of the greatest Wagnerian baritone of his age, Friedrich Schorr, who commanded the operatic stage between the world wars, and his wife, Virginia Schorr, who taught studio voice at the Manhattan School of Music and the Hartt School of Music for nearly fifty years.

For more about Friedrich & Virginia Schorr and the original Friedrich Schorr Memorial Performance Prize in Voice international competition, follow this link. Complete listings of finalists and semi-finalists in The American Prize competitions may be found on our blog. Please scroll down for winners and runners-up in earlier competitions.

 

Winners and runners-up are listed by year. Please scroll down.

Opera Prizes

Art Song Prizes

 

The American Prize in Vocal Performance (OPERA)—Friedrich and Virginia Schorr Memorial Award, 2014

PROFESSIONAL DIVISION (women):

The American Prize winner:

MEGAN MARINO
New York  NY

Hailed for her “considerable range and confidence, navigating lower notes with impressive, clarity yet also managing considerable leaps into the higher range as well, exhibiting a warm, plummy tone throughout,” Megan Marino debuts at the Metropolitan Opera as an Unborn Child in Die Frau ohne Schatten in 2013-14. She also joins the company for Rusalka, Werther, and Rigoletto and sings Handel’s Messiah with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. Upcoming engagements include Angelina in La Cenerentola with Green Mountain Opera, Varvara in Káťa Kabanová at the Spoleto Festival U.S.A. In coming seasons, she will join the roster of the Lyric Opera of Chicago.

 

Ms. Marino received The Katharine M. Mayer Apprentice Award from Santa Fe Opera, is a 2nd place winner of Ft. Worth Opera’s McCammon Competition and 3rd place winner of the Lotte Lenya Competition. She has been a regional finalist of the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions and has placed multiple times at the Denver Lyric Opera Guild Competition.

 

Among judges' comments: "A consummate singer-actor, with all the elements for an international career in place."

 

2nd Place:

MEGHAN PICERNO
New York NY

 

American Soprano, Meghan Picerno was last seen making her Carnegie Hall debut in recital with Metropolitan Opera’s Bass’s Hao Jiang Tian. Last year she made her Alice Tully Hall debut singing with the New York City Opera Orchestra under the baton of Maestro Paul Nadler, and the National Center for Performing Arts in Beijing, China as a young artist of I Sing Beijing. As Zerlina in Martina Arroyo’s Prelude to Performance Program’s production of Don Giovanni, she was praised by the New York Times for her “attractive soprano” voice. She received both her Masters and Professional Studies degrees from The Manhattan School of Music. During her time at MSM, she performed in many productions such as Marissa in Henry’s Wife with American Opera Projects, La Princesse et Le Feu in L’enfant et les Sortileges, soprano soloist in September Songs, The Legacy Of Kurt Weill, as well as various performances with the Contemporary Opera Ensemble. She also made her Off Broadway debut as Liza in the musical revue, Falling in Love with Love. This Spring she was selected as a semifinalist in the Lotte Lenya Competition, as well as receiving 2nd place in the 5 Towns Music Awards in the Opera division.

 

 

3rd Place (there was a tie):

JESSICA ROSE CAMBIO
Modena  ITALY

Italian-American Soprano Jessica Rose Cambio recently made her UK debut as Mimì in the Francesca Zambello production of La Boheme at the Royal Albert Hall after performances in Como, Brescia, Pavia, Cremona, Tel Aviv, and in concert with the LA Philharmonic. She will reprise the role and debut Donna Elvira in Don Giovanni this Fall in Macedonia, Thailand, and China. Other recent engagements include Beatriz in Catán's La Hija de Rappaccini with Gotham Chamber Opera. Her repertoire has included Violetta in La Traviata, Alice in Falstaff, Giselda in I Lombardi, Magda in La Rondine, Liù in Turandot, Nedda in Pagliacci, Micaëla in Carmen, and the title roles in Maria Stuarda, Anna Bolena, and Lucia di Lammermoor.

 

Ms. Cambio is an avid recitalist, having sung concerts in Italy at the homes of Giuseppe Verdi and Luciano Pavarotti, Helsinki with the Finnish-Italian Association, Moscow at the Galina Vishnevskaya Opera Centre, NY at Carnegie Hall and Rose Hall at Jazz at Lincoln Center; with the Festival Puccini Torre del Lago Orchestra at the Teatro Comunale di Modena, the Orchestra Filarmonica di Torino, the Israeli Philharmonic in Tel Aviv, and the Saint Petersburg Philharmonic at the Shostakovich Grand Hall for Elena Obratzsova’s 70th Birthday. She made her oratorio debut as the Soprano soloist in Bach's Magnificat at the Duomo di Modena. Cambio has prevailed in an astounding number of vocal competitions worldwide, winning prizes in the Marie Kraja in Albania, Leyla Gencer in Istanbul, As.Li.Co. in Como, and the Gerda Lissner, Licia Albanese Puccini, Giulio Gari, George London, and Loren Zachary Competitions in the US. She was also a finalist in the Julián Gayarre in Spain, and the Voci Verdiane, Marcello Giordani, Ottavio Ziino, and Fondazione Arena di Verona Competitions in Italy, and a semi-finalist in the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions and Placido Domingo’s Operalia in Quebec and Verona. She was awarded grants from the Richard Tucker, Gerda Lissner, and Georg Solti Foundations, and she completed her musical studies in the US and Italy working with world renowned sopranos Renata Scotto and Mirella Freni.

 

3rd Place (there was a tie):

SUSAN NELSON
Chicago  IL

Equally at home on the operatic stage or in concert repertoire, American lyric soprano Susan Nelson has been praised by critics for her “full, powerful voice – agile and pliant” as well as her interpretations, called both “sensitive and moving” and “full of life and vigor.” She showcases versatility and vocal beauty in repertoire from Bach and Mozart to verismo and contemporary opera.  She has been a seen on the stages of Lyric Opera of Chicago, Opera Delaware, Sarasota Opera, Kentucky Opera, Opera Illinois, and The Savoyaires, and has performed as a soloist with Music of the Baroque, Access Contemporary Music, Elmhurst Choral Union, and Illinois Valley Symphony Orchestra.  In December 2014, she will return to the South Bend Symphony Orchestra for their Holiday Pops Concerts.

 

SPECIAL JUDGES' CITATION: Vocal and Instrumental Excellence:

ZOE VANDERMEER
Gaylordsville  CT

Zoe Vandermeer specializes in the music of Mozart and Baroque Music as a soprano soloist and also as a recitalist in which she accompanies her singing on triple harp.  On the roster of the Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism, she is a prize-winning graduate of the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, a recipient of the Dame Joan Sutherland Fund, winner of the Bay Area Vocal Arts Competition, finalist of the London Young Artists Early Music Competition, and finalist of the Laurier Concert Aria Competition Canada.  Ms. Vandermeer has given solo performances at International Festival de Deia Spain, Glasgow International Early Music Festival, HarpCon2003 Convention, Bloomington Early Music Festival, Festival Opera, DiMenna Center New York City, Davies Symphony Hall San Francisco, and ABC Center Los Angeles.  Her CD 'Angel's Wine, Songs of John Dowland' won second place for Best Classical Album.  www.zoevandermeer.com

 

Among judges' comments: "many artistic and expressive risks in this performance, making for an exciting and strong musical statement."

 

 

COLLEGE / UNIVERSITY DIVISION (women):

The American Prize winner:

 

MONICA DEWEY
Stone Mountain  GA

Monica Dewey, soprano, was born in Atlanta, Georgia and began her studies at the University of Kentucky. She received a full scholarship award from the Alltech Vocal Scholarship Competition and studied with Dr. Everett McCorvey and Cynthia Lawrence. She now continues as a student of Elizbeth Nohe Colson in Atlanta, Georgia. She was a semi-finalist in the International Competition “Dr. Luis Sigall” in Viña del Mar, Chile and the Orpheus Vocal Competition in Tennessee. This summer she will be a young artist at the Chautauqua Institute for Music.

 

Recent opera engagements include: Pamina Die Zauberflöte with Lyric Opera Studio Weimar, Rose Street Scene with Harrower Opera Workshop, and Christine Phantom of the Opera with University of Kentucky Opera Theatre. She has been a featured soloist with Thüringer Symphony in Germany, University of Kentucky Symphony Orchestra, and Atlanta Community Symphony Orchestra. Monica has recently begun graduate school at Indiana University where she studies with Carol Vaness.

 

Among judges' comments: "a superb, rich instrument that is capable of such a range of colors...along with superb breath control and release of onset."

 

2nd Place:

LAUREN K. FREY
Pittsburgh  PA

Lauren Frey was recently commended for her performance as Musetta in Opera Western Reserve's production of La Boheme.  She "brilliantly negotiated the intricacies of her bel canto role with sparkling ease."  In her famous "Musetta's Waltz" aria, Frey "depicted Musetta beautifully," while her ensemble vocals were "absolutely stunning." (The Classical Cleveland)

 

In 2014, Lauren received 3rd place in the Metropolitan Opera National Council Regional Auditions, after winning 1st place in her MONC District.  In 2013, Lauren placed second in the Senior Division and first in the Vocal Division with the Philadelphia Orchestra's Albert M. Greenfield Competition.  In 2012, Lauren won 1st place in the MONC District Auditions, and won Westminster Choir College's Voice Scholarship Competition in 2011.  

 

Lauren performed Donna Elvira in Don Giovanni with Lyric Opera Studio Weimar in Germany in 2013.  She originated the role of Grace in the world premiere of Daron Hagen’s The George Washington Suite with Opera Theater Pittsburgh.  Credits include Coaxer in Kurt Weill’s Threepenny Opera, Tina in Jonathan Dove's Flight, the title role in Handel's Alcina, Die Erste Dame in Die Zauberflöte, and Fiordiligi in Cosi fan tutte.

 

3rd Place:

JULIA WOLCOTT
State College  PA

Soprano Julia Wolcott made her operatic debut as a college freshman in the role of Marcellina in Penn State Opera Theatre’s production of The Marriage of Figaro. Subsequent roles included Fiordiligi in Mozart’s Così fan tutte and Ottavia in Monteverdi’s The Coronation of Poppea. Julia attended the SOARS Program (Summer Opera, Art Song, Recording Seminar) in Bayview, Michigan as well as OperaNEO, an opera festival and workshop in San Diego, California. Julia graduated from Penn State in December 2013 with her bachelor's degree in voice performance, where she was a student of Jennifer Trost. In January, she was named as a finalist in the National Opera Association's Caroline and Dominick Argento Vocal Competition held at the National Opera Center in New York City. This summer she will participate in the Artists Training Seminar of the Castleton Festival where she will work with renowned conductor Lorin Maazel. www.juliawolcott.com

 

***

The American Prize in Vocal Performance
Friedrich & Virginia Schorr Memorial Award
SPECIAL JUDGES' CITATIONS, 2014

SPECIAL CITATION: Inspiration in Teaching

DANA ZENOBI
Southwestern University  Georgetown  TX

A versatile performer who embraces both traditional repertoire and new music, Dana Zenobi appeared in the American Premiere of Philip Glass' Waiting for the Barbarians with Austin Lyric Opera, and performed with Lyric Opera Cleveland in the first production of Mark Adamo's Little Women directed by the composer.  The Cleveland Plain Dealer praised her "dazzling coloratura" and "irresitible phrasing" as Mabel in The Pirates of Penzance, and she has garnered similar success in roles ranging from Mozart heroines Konstanze and Donna Elvira to Verdi's Violetta Valéry.  She is also an active concert soloist, and teaches voice, pedagogy, song literature, and diction at Southwestern University (Georgetown, TX).  Dr. Zenobi is founder of BELTÀ, a nonprofit that supports emerging artists (www.BELTA.org).  She earned her DMA in Voice Performance and Pedagogy at The University of Texas at Austin.  She also holds an MM from UT, and a BA from Duke University.  www.danazenobi.com

Career Encouragement Citation:

LILLIAN BAILEY-BRODERICK
Plainfield  VT

20 year old Vermont native soprano, Lillian Bailey-Broderick, is going into her junior of undergraduate studies at the University of Vermont. After her debut in 2010 as Lady Ella in G&S's Patience, Miss Bailey-Broderick has gone on to perform other Gilbert & Sullivan roles including Mabel, Josephine, and Patience. At school, she has performed partial roles, such as Fiordiligi and Countess. Last summer, the soprano sang the title role in Princess Ida "beautifully and dramatically" (VT Times Argus). She also made her role debut as Konstanze in an English version of The Abduction from the Seraglio.  This summer she attended the Accademia Vocale Lorenzo Malfatti in Lucca, Italy.

Career Encouragement Citation:

KELSEY DEBNER
Austin  TX

Kelsey Debner is a sophomore at Southwestern University pursuing a Bachelor’s of Music in Vocal Performance.  She grew up in Austin, Texas, and was homeschooled through high school.  In addition to studying voice since 8th grade, she has studied violin since 2nd grade.  She is a member of the music fraternity Delta Omicron.  

Career Encouragement Citation:

ABIGAIL JACKSON
Dallas  TX

Abigail Jackson is a junior Vocal Performance Major pursuing a Bachelor of Music degree at Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas. She's currently preparing the role of Fiordiligi in Mozart's Cosí fan tutte to perform with the opera theatre class at Southwestern University. She is also preparing for her junior recital as part of the BM degree. This past January she was cast in the Austin Lyric Opera chorus for Tosca. Her debut opera theatre role with Southwestern University was the Plaintiff in Gilbert and Sullivan’s Trial by Jury in April 2013.

Career Encouragement Citation:

MELISSA KRUEGER
Kingwood  TX

Mezzo-Soprano, Melissa Krueger is a Junior Vocal Performance major at Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas. She currently studies with Dana Zenobi, a noted soprano in the Austin area. Although new to the opera world, she has already performed in productions with organizations such as Opera in the Ozarks and Austin Lyric Opera. Southwestern has blessed her with the opportunity to sing several leading roles such as Dorabella in Cosi fan Tutte, the Counsel in Trial By Jury, and Polly in The Beggar's Opera. Melissa also works as the Alto Section Leader at United University Methodist Church under the direction of Marc Erck.

***

PROFESSIONAL DIVISION (men):

The American Prize winner:

MITCHELL HUTCHINGS
Houghton  NY

 

Mitchell Hutchings’ most notable roles include the title roles in GIANNI SCHICCHI and SWEENEY TODD, Marcello in LA BOHÈME, Tarquinius in THE RAPE OF LUCRETIA, Escamillo in LA TRAGÉDIE DE CARMEN, Germont in LA TRAVIATA, Mercutio in ROMÉO ET JULIETTE, Marullo in RIGOLETTO, Quince in A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM, Frank in DIE FLEDERMAUS, Ben in THE TELEPHONE, Yamadori & the Commissioner in MADAMA BUTTERFLY, and Benoit & Alcindoro in LA BOHÈME. Mitchell has been a Resident Artist of Des Moines Metro Opera, Pensacola Opera, Opera Saratoga, Ash Lawn Opera, Dicapo Opera Theatre, the Opera Theatre and Music Festival of Lucca, the Czech-American Summer Music Institute, and Opera Tampa's V.O.I.C.Experience program. Mitchell received his master's degree from Florida State University and bachelor’s from Western Carolina University. He currently holds the position of Assistant Professor of Voice and Opera at The Greatbatch School of Music, Houghton College. www.MitchellHutchingsBaritone.com.

 

Among judges' comments: "Mr. Hutchings is very musical and sings with knowledgeable artistry."

 

2nd Place:

JOSEPH RYAN
Sarasota  FL

Joseph Ryan graduated from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music with a Masters in Vocal Performance in 2006. He participated in young artist programs with Sarasota Opera, Central City Opera, St. Petersburg Opera, and the Opera Theatre of Lucca, Italy.  Most recently he performed as Alberich and Hagen with Opéra Louisiane in The Ring, a reduced version of Wagner’s Ring Cycle, and as Second Man in the Natchez Festival of Music’s 2013 production of Kiss Me, Kate. Other recent credits include Scarpia (cover) in St. Petersburg Opera’s production of Tosca in February 2013, the Sacristan in Tosca with Opera Naples in December 2012, and a semi-finalist in the 2012 Opera Birmingham Competition. Upcoming engagements include Morales in Opera Tampa’s 2014 production of Carmen and Sacristan in Natchez Festival of Music’s 2014 production of Tosca. For more information, please visit josephryanbaritone.com.

 

3rd Place:

ROCKY SELLERS
Memphis  TN

 

Bass-Baritone, Rocky Sellers, has performed with various companies including: The Santa Fe Opera, Sarasota Opera, Regina Opera, Opera Naples, Opera Saratoga, The Natchez Festival of Music, Delaware Valley Opera Company, Dell'arte Opera Ensemble, The Manhattan Opera Studio, New York Lyric Opera, The Seoul International Program, the Manhattan School of Music Opera, and The University of Tennessee- Knoxville Opera. Mr. Sellers’ previous operatic credits show his wide dramatic range of both Bass repertoire as well as Bass- baritone. Roles including: Baron Ochs (Der Rosenkavalier), Banquo (MacBeth),  Dr. Bartolo/ Don Basilio (Il Barbiere di Siviglia), Sparafucile/Monterone (Rigoletto), Leporello/ Commendatore (Don Giovanni) , Sarastro/ Papageno (The Magic Flute), Figaro/ Dr. Bartolo (Le Nozze di Figaro), Betto (Gianni Schicchi), Presto (Les Mamelles de Tiresias), Doctor Malatesta (Don Pasquale) and Wolfgang Big Bad (Three Little Pigs). He has received awards from The Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions, the Grady-Rayam Foundation (winner), The Kennett Symphony Voice competition (winner), The American Prize (3rd place) and NATS. His 2014-15 season includes his debut with Connecticut Lyric Opera in their productions of Der Rosenkavalier as Baron Ochs and La Boheme as Alcindoro in addition to his return to Regina Opera to sing the role of Dr. Bartolo in Il Barbiere di Siviglia. Mr. Sellers is a graduate of The University of Tennessee-Knoxville and pursued further studies at The Manhattan School of Music.

 

 

***

HIGH SCHOOL DIVISION:

The American Prize winner:

 

THOMAS WEST
Lookout Mountain  TN

 

Thomas West is an 18 year old baritone from Lookout Mountain, Tennessee but is currently living and studying classical voice at The Juilliard School in New York City, NY. Over the past two years, Thomas has taken first prize in many regional and national vocal competitions including the Performing Arts League Vocal Competition in Chattanooga, TN, the Knoxville Choral Society Young Classical Musicians Competition, the University of Kentucky Young Singers Competition, Georgia NATS, and the Music Teachers National Association National Competition. Thomas was also featured on the NPR radio show “From the Top” both in 2012 and 2014, and was a 2014 National Young Arts Finalist and Presidential Scholar in the Arts. Thomas is also the founder of ReGenerate, an arts leadership program dedicated to advocating and fundraising for the arts in the public schools of Chattanooga. So far, the group has raised over $14,000 dollars for arts education in his hometown. For more information, please go to thomaswestbaritone.com

 

Among judges' comments: "His production is free, flowing and beautiful.  Mr. West sings with fine artistry and musicality."

 

 

2nd Place:

MATTHEW BISHOP BURN
Greenville  SC

 

Matthew Burn, a native of Greenville SC, is currently a senior studying under Thomas Dickinson at the South Carolina Governors School for the Arts and Humanities. He also attended the Fine Arts Center as a vocal student and studied for two years under Karen Parks. Matthew received a full scholarship to Walnut Hill Summer Opera program where he was able to sing in Milan, Italy and most recently accepted into a program with the Washington National Opera where he sang at the Kennedy Center. He hopes to attend a music conservatory next fall and pursue a career in vocal performance.

 

 

3rd Place:

NATHAN KESSEL
Worcester  MA

 

I am a senior at Shrewsbury High School and reside in Worcester, MA. I sing as a baritone and have won seats in the Massachusetts Central District Honors Choir, MA All-State Honors Choir, the NAFME All-National Honors Choir, and the DCINY International Honors Choir. I attended the Boston University Tanglewood institute in the summer of 2013 as a member of the Young Artist Vocal program. I currently sing at the New England Conservatory Preparatory School’s Youth Chorale and Youth Camerata. I am also singing with the Boston Symphony Orchestra’s Tanglewood Festival Choir. I am the youngest male member in the history of the choir, accepted at age 16. I am currently auditioning at conservatories in my hopes to pursue music as a career.

 

 

 

The American Prize in Vocal Performance

(ART SONG / ORATORIO)—Friedrich and Virginia Schorr Memorial Award, 2014

 

PROFESSIONAL DIVISION (women):

The American Prize winner:

SARAH DAVIS
Seattle  WA

Hailed by the New York Times as "a voice with considerable warmth," lyric-soprano, Sarah Davis, has been recognized as a gifted performer on both the recital and operatic stage. Ms. Davis has debuted as a soloist with the Cleveland Orchestra,  Carnegie Hall, Kennedy Center and was honored to premiere Elliott Carter's song cycle for soprano and chamber orchestra, "What are years" at Tanglewood Music Center. Notable concert and operatic credits include:  Orff Carmina Burana, Mozart Exsultate Jubilate, Haydn Lord Nelson Mass, Mozart Grand Mass, Barber Knoxville: Summer of 1915, Brahms Requiem, Beethoven 9th Symphony, Fiordiligi, Contessa, Donna Anna, Pamina, Gilda, Anne Trulove, and Cendrillon (Massenet’s Cinderella). Future engagements include Verdi Requiem and a John Harbison premiere chamber song cycle. Ms. Davis holds degrees from Trinity University in Texas and the Peabody Conservatory of the Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore. www.sarahjoannedavis.com

 

Among judges' comments: "She sings with an expressive flair and wonderful musical phrasing."

 

2nd Place:

SONJA TENGBLAD
Jamaica Plain  MA

Praised by the Boston Globe for her “crystalline tone and graceful musicality”, recent highlights for soprano Sonja Tengblad include her Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center solo debuts, both with the New York Civic Orchestra, and appearances with the Haydn Society in Purcell's King Arthur (Cupid) and Bach’s Christmas Oratorio, and the Oregon Bach Festival for many of Helmuth Rilling’s performances of Bach. Other solo highlights include performances with the Boston Modern Orchestra Project in Oliver Knussen’s Symphony No. 2 for high soprano and orchestra, as well Kati Agocs’ Vessel for three solo voices and chamber orchestra, and the American premiere of Siegfried Matthus’ Te Deum at the American Guild of Organists National Convention in 2008. Ms. Tengblad sings with Conspirare, the 5-time Grammy nominated ensemble out of Austin, Texas; as well as Boston's Blue Heron, Handel and Haydn Society, and Lorelei Ensemble, an 8-voice women's ensemble specializing in early and new music.  www.sonjatengblad.com

3rd Place:

CHRISTINE STEYER
Oak Park  IL

Soprano Christine Steyer was recently announced as a winner of the 2013 Hawaii Art Song Competition.  She has sung numerous small roles with Lyric Opera of Chicago and has performed major roles including the Marschallin, Violetta and Butterfly with several companies.  She has been highly praised for her artistry and her voice has been described as “an international-calibre voice of size and color used to reach an audience's emotional core.”  She recently sang the title role in Verismo Opera’s La Traviata, and performed multiple roles in Chamber Opera Chicago’s musical adaptation of Jane Austen’s Persuasion which toured in England in 2013.  To date she performed for over 16,000 schoolchildren with Bellissima Opera Outreach, an organization she founded in 2009.  She frequently performs her 1-woman show So, You Want to be a Diva? which combines singing various genres of music with storytelling.  Upcoming engagements include Carmina Burana with the Billings Symphony. Ms. Steyer is a past winner of The American Prize and the Chicago Opera Award.

 

SPECIAL JUDGES' CITATION: 
"Championing the Songs of Carlisle Floyd"

SUSANNE MENTZER, mezzo-soprano

American mezzo-soprano Susanne Mentzer has an international operatic, concert, chamber music and recital career of over thirty years. She has appeared on four continents at nearly every great opera house and orchestra, and at the Metropolitan Opera since 1989.  Susanne is also a proponent of song, chamber music and new music and debuted 2 song cycles by Libby Larsen. Susanne produced and sings on a world premiere recording of songs by Carlisle Floyd on GPR Records entitled “Letter to the World” which she funded via kickstarter. Her discography includes over 25 CDs and DVDs of opera and oratorio and song. Susanne contributes regularly to the Huffington Post. Her outspokenness about vocal health has earned her the VERA Award 2013 (Voice Education Research Awareness) from The Voice Foundation. She teaches privately in the San Francisco area after twelve years in academia at DePaul University and Rice University. Read more at susannementzer.com

 

Among judges' comments: "First, one must praise the disc for the performer. Ms. Mentzer sings Carlisle Floyd's settings of the poems of Emily Dickinson with such depth of feeling, variety of tone color and expression, and with such a clear understanding of the nuance available to her in the studio, the disc is practically a masterclass in the art of the recorded song. Next of course, are the songs themselves. Floyd, the master of the opera stage, brings a dramatist's ear to Dickinson's heartfelt stanzas, adding a theatrical passion and intensity wholly appropriate...these are wonderful songs to have..." 

 

***

 

PROFESSIONAL DIVISION (men):

The American Prize winner:

 

LEO RADO (Radosavljevic)
Wilmette  IL

Recent 3rd prize winner of the 8th International Klaudia Taev competition in Pärnu, Estonia, twenty-four-year-old baritone Leo Rado is establishing himself as a uniquely versatile performer in the world of opera. He has performed as soloist in opera, art song, and oratorio to high critical acclaim at venues such as Carnegie Hall, Alice Tully Hall, The Peter Jay Sharp Theatre, and Ravinia Festival. In addition to his mastery of the standard operatic repertoire from Monteverdi through Britten, Leo particularly enjoys creating recitals of unknown vocal masterpieces by composers that are more well known for their instrumental music, such as Haydn, Beethoven, Chopin, Grieg, Schönberg and Prokofiev.

 

Among judges' comments: "a consummate performer."

 

2nd Place:

CHRISTIAN KETTER (IL)

 

Tenor, Christian Ketter recently made his Carnegie Hall debut with Marilyn Horne’s festival: “The Song Continues." 2013: Tenor soloist, Bruckner Te Deum, Chicago Bar Symphony and Orchestra; DuBois’ Les sept paroles du Christ; Saint-Saëns’ Oratorio de Noël. Willy Loman: Rizzer’s Death of a Salesman, Chicago Cultural Center. 2011: Mr. Ketter performed under Carlisle Floyd in a concert of Floyd's operatic works. Evita (Che) Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra; Tosca (Cavaradossi) Calumet City Chamber-Ensemble; Herrmann’s Wuthering Heights (Edgar) in its televised Chicago premiere; ShowBoat (Ravenal). 2010: At Ravinia, Mr. Ketter gave a recital benefitting the Misericordia Foundation. 2013: International-Finalist: Lotte Lenya Competition. Friedrich Schorr/The American Prize winner; National-Winner: Chicago Oratorio Award;  2nd National-Winner: Hal Leonard Art Song; The American Prize in Art Song; Shirley Rabb-Winston Grand Prize. For release summer 2014: Recording, "Beloved", a collection of classical arrangements spanning many languages, styles, and genres with violinist, Cara Schlecker and pianist, Myron Silberstein. For more information visit: www.christianketter.com

 

 

3rd Place:

ANDREW SAUVAGEAU
Baltimore  MD

Hailed by the Baltimore Sun for the shining color in his singing, Andrew Sauvageau, baritone, enjoys a diverse musical career, singing works written centuries ago as often as those written yesterday. His solo appearances include performances at the Atlas Performing Arts Center, the National Gallery of Art, the Library of Congress, the Kennedy Center, and the Lincoln Center. He has performed a variety of concerts on both sides of the country, including opera, oratorio, song, and the premieres of several new works by emerging American composers. Mr. Sauvageau is a graduate of Peabody Conservatory and University of Oregon. He has recorded two French rarities on the Naxos label with Opera Lafayette. Visit www.andrewsauvageau.com for more.

 

 

 

SPECIAL JUDGES' CITATION: "Excellence in American Song" for "An American Tapestry"

PETER LIGHTFOOT
East Lansing  M

 

Dramatic baritone Peter Lightfoot's "An American Tapestry" with pianist Dr. Deborah Moriarity, can now be heard on Blue Griffin Records. Lightfoot performed Falstaff in Verdi’s Falstaff in Cagli and Mercatello, Italy.  His performance of Marbuel at the Wexford Festival in The Devil and Kate is on DVD. Lightfoot was Bass soloist in Mozart's Requiem with Sir John Rutter at Carnegie Hall. His operatic roles include Verdi's Macbeth; Tonio in Il Pagliacci; Scarpia in Tosca and Rigoletto in Verdi's Rigoletto.  His orchestral credits include the Stockholm Philharmonic, the Amsterdam Radio Symphony, the San Francisco Symphony, Houston Symphony, Pittsburgh Symphony, Toronto Symphony, and Dallas Symphony. Mr. Lightfoot was born in New York and holds degrees from the Juilliard School and Tufts University. He is winner of a National Opera Institute Grant, a Sullivan Foundation Grant and a Harp Grant.  Earlier this year, Mr. Lightfoot won The American Prize Chicago Oratorio Award. He is associate professor of voice at Michigan State University's College of Music.

 

Among judges' comments: "Mr. Lightfoot is a seasoned and talented performer.  It is clear that this repertoire is dear to him and his interpretations are splendid."  

 

COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY DIVISION (women):

The American Prize winner:

CLAUDIA DAWON OH
Los Angeles  CA

 

Claudia is a freshman at Harvard University. She graduated from Juilliard Pre-College for classical voice. She was the 1st place winner in the Hal Leonard Vocal Competition in 2012 and in the NYSMTA Empire State Competition, youngest recipient of the Distinguished Musicians Award & Special Mention Prize for Young Talent in IBLA Grand Prize International Music Competition, and 2nd place winner in the Barry Alexander International Vocal Competition and Schmidt Youth Vocal competition. She made her Carnegie Hall debut in a solo benefit concert and performed at Alice Tully Hall of Lincoln Center, at the press conference of Sumi Jo & Tomomi Nishmoto sponsored by UNICEF, at a Piazza Pola Public Concert in Sicily, Italy and at Sonidos Latin Jazz Festival as a soloist for the world premiere of “A Still Small Voice” by Arturo O’Farrill. This coming March, she will perform the title role in Gilbert and Sullivan’s “Patience” at Harvard.

 

Among judges' comments: "has the capacity to carry great power into the top without it sounding  effortful."

 

2nd Place:

TARA CURTIS
Prairie Village  KS

 

Mezzo-soprano Tara Curtis is currently the mezzo-soprano apprentice at the Lyric Opera of Kansas City.  In the 2013-2014 season, she sang the roles of Berta in Rossini's Il Barbiere di Siviglia with Maestro David Stern at the Crested Butte Music Festival, Third Lady in Mozart's The Magic Flute at the Lyric Opera of Kansas City, Lucretia in Britten's The Rape of Lucretia with KU Opera and was the alto soloist in Beethoven's Mass in C Major and Choral Fantasy with the University of Missouri Concert Series. Tara is a winner of the Metropolitan National Council Auditions in the Kansas City District, a semi-finalist in the Opera Birmingham Competition and the New Hampshire Opera Idol Vocal Competition, and the Polsky Award from the Lyric Opera of Kansas City. Tara has also performed: Verdi's Missa di Requiem, Bach's B Minor Mass, Handel's Messiah, Mendelssohn's Elijah, and Brahms' Liebeslieder Waltzes. www.taracurtis.com

 

3rd Place:

ABIGAIL DOCK
Medford  OR

Mezzo-soprano Abigail Dock, originally from Medford, Oregon, holds a Bachelor of Music degree from Rice University in Houston, where she studied with Kathleen Kaun.  Currently, she is a graduate student in Opera Performance at The Boston Conservatory, in the studio of Rebecca Folsom. In 2013 Abigail appeared as Olga in Tchaikovsky’s Eugene Onegin at the Seagle Music Colony in Schroon Lake, New York.  Calling her “the best actor in the show,” the Daily Gazette (Schenectady) said “she bubbled, she sang wonderfully, and she acted with a believable naturalness. Her facial expressions especially supported her projected emotions.”  She recently performed the role of Third Lady in The Boston Conservatory’s production of Die Zauberflöte. This past January, the 21-year-old singer received the Encouragement Award at the New England Regional division of the Metropolitan Opera’s National Council Auditions. She will join the Bel Canto Young Artists program at the Caramoor festival in New York this summer.

 

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HIGH SCHOOL DIVISION (women):

The American Prize winner:

 

KRESLEY FIGUEROA
Flagstaff  AZ

Kresley Figueroa was named a National Young Arts Foundation Finalist in Classical Voice. At age 12, she sang the 2nd spirit in Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte with Flagstaff in Fidenza.  She made a guest appearance to perform a solo as well as sing with Hugh Panaro, the Broadway Phantom, and Jodi Benson, the voice of The Little Mermaid, with the Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra. She was invited to perform with Juilliard in a televised concert in Puerto Rico in the Teatro Tapia. Kresley studies with Deborah Raymond at Northern Arizona University. Admitted to the Juilliard Pre-College Program in New York City at age 13, she studied there with Lorraine Nubar, head of the voice faculty and receives vocal coaching from Jorge Parodi. Adam Guettel, composer, lyricist and Tony Award Winner for the Broadway musical, Light in the Piazza, also teaches Kresley. She studies in Nice, France during the summers with Dalton Baldwin and has entered the Juilliard college division, where she is a student of Marlena Malas.

 

Among judges' comments: "What maturity for a high school student!"

 

2nd Place:

MADISON WILLIAMS
Dublin  OH

Madison is 16 years old and a junior at Dublin Jerome High School in Ohio.  She is a member of Women’s Chorale at her High School as well as the Columbus International Children’s Choir.  She studies voice privately with Stephanie Henkle.  Madison has participated in the American Choir Directors’ Association National Honor Choir and in the Ohio Music Education Association All-State Choir.  She has also attended the Summer Voice Intensive at the Eastman School of Music and has previously won the Central Ohio Singing Competition.

3rd Place:

EMILY ROSE PERRY
Powell  OH

 

Emily Perry, 17, is a Junior at The Olentangy Liberty High School in Powell, Ohio and a member of several of its choirs. Additionally, Emily is a member of the Columbus International Children's Choir and a private student of Yvonne Shapiro-Mazo. Emily Perry has placed first in Columbus Teacher Music Association and placed second in the classical division of the Central Ohio Singing competition. Emily received a Superior rating all four years of Ohio Music Education Association Competition and was a member of the All State Choir.  Emily’s proudest moment was placing third in the American Prize in Vocal Performance (Opera/Operetta) Division in 2013. Emily has attended Indiana University Summer Program and Baldwin Wallace University's Summer Intensive Camp. When not pursuing her love for singing Emily enjoys working with autistic children, reading, spending time with her family and friends, working on mission trips, and writing.

 

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The American Prize in Vocal Performance—CHICAGO ORATORIO AWARDS, 2014

These four soloists appeared in concert in Chicago performing Beethoven's Choral Fantasy under the auspices of The American Prize national nonprofit competitions in the performing arts.

 

JULIANNE GEAEHART, soprano

Soprano Julianne Gearhart is quickly becoming known on both sides of the Atlantic for her remarkable theatrical presence as well as the crystalline quality of her singing. She started her career as a devoted singer of Strauss, singing Zerbinetta for numerous companies including The Grand Theatre de Geneve and the New Israeli Opera in Tel Aviv, and Der Rosenkavalier’s Sophie for the Seattle Opera and in her German debut for Theater Lübeck. Gearhart's relationship with Seattle has been close and longstanding. A graduate of their Young Artist Program, she made her mainstage debut in Seattle as Helen Niles in the premiere of the revised Mourning Becomes Electra. Other roles followed, including Woglinde and the Waldvogel in their Ring Cycle as well as a relationship with the Seattle Symphony, where she most recently sang Poulenc’s Gloria, and for whom she has also sung Bach's notoriously difficult Cantata #51, Jauchzett Gott in allen Landen.  She reprised the Bach for the White Mountain Bach Festival last season. Gearhart made her Italian debut at the Teatro Lirico di Cagliari, Sardinia, as Blonde in Die Entführung aus dem Serail. She also sang Blonde for the Vlaamse Opera’s 2010 production. She has  performed with the Edinburgh Festival, Opera North, Seattle Opera, Sarasota Opera, Opera Grand Rapids, Seattle Symphony, The Canadian Chamber Orchestra of New York, Port Angeles Symphony, Salem Philharmonic Orchestra, Palm Beach Symphony, the Alba Music Festival in Alba, Italy, Grieg Choral Festival in Bergen, Norway, Chamber Music Amarillo, New Israeli Opera, and the Grand Theatre Geneve. She made her Carnegie Hall debut singing under the baton of Maestro Rutter in Handel’s Messiah and Rutter’s Magnificat.

COURTNEY MILLER, mezzo-soprano

Mezzo-Soprano Courtney Miller is the 2013 winner of the National Federation of Music Clubs’ Young Artist Competition in Women’s Voice and and First Place winner of the American Prize in Art Song.  Ms. Miller returns to Virginia Opera as an Emerging Artist for the 2014-15 season singing Cousin Hebe in HMS Pinafore, Page in Salome, and Flora in La Traviata.  During Virginia Opera’s 2013-14 season, Ms. Miller sang Meg Page in Falstaff, Second Lady in The Magic Flute, Dryade in Ariadne auf Naxos while covering the Composer, and Mercédès in Carmen.  Recent highlights include Sister Helen in Dead Man Walking, the title role in L’enfant et les sortilèges, and Concepción in L’heure Espagnole.  Ms. Miller has worked with the Glimmerglass Festival, Chautauqua Opera, Boston Lyric Opera, Ohio Light Opera, and Seagle Music Colony.  A Wisconsin native, Ms. Miller holds degrees from the University of Michigan and the Boston Conservatory. www.courtneyallycemiller.com

DANIEL KAMALIC, lyric tenor

Lyric tenor Daniel Kamalić has been praised for the “exciting, tremendous force and burnished tonal quality” of his voice. He has performed regularly with Connecticut Lyric Opera and Opera Boston, as well as with the Boston Modern Orchestra Project, Juventas New Music Ensemble, and the International Rachmaninoff Festival. He was recently selected by Joan Dornemann and Paul Nadler of the Metropolitan Opera to receive a full scholarship to attend the prestigious International Vocal Arts Institute. In addition to the repertoire standards, he champions new and rarely performed works. Mr. Kamalić has created roles in operas by composers Eric Sawyer, Charles David Younger, Thomas Oboe Lee, and Sarah Meneely-Kyder.  The Croatian-American tenor has also reveled in the opportunity to explore and present the music of Croatia. He made his European debut in 2012 with Kvartet Veljak in Valun, Croatia and returns in 2014 to sing at the Rijeka Festival of Chamber Music in Rijeka, Croatia.

PETER LIGHTFOOT, dramatic baritone

Dramatic baritone Peter Lightfoot performed Falstaff in Verdi’s Falstaff in Cagli and Mercatello, Italy.  His performance of Marbuel at the Wexford Festival in The Devil and Kate is on DVD.   Lightfoot was Bass soloist in Mozart's Requiem with Sir John Rutter at Carnegie Hall. His operatic roles include Verdi's Macbeth; Tonio in Il Pagliacci; Scarpia in Tosca and Rigoletto in Verdi's Rigoletto.  His orchestral credits include the Stockholm Philharmonic, the Amsterdam Radio Symphony, the San Francisco Symphony, Houston Symphony, Pittsburgh Symphony, Toronto Symphony, and Dallas Symphony. Mr. Lightfoot was born in New York and holds degrees from the Juilliard School and Tufts University. He is winner of a National Opera Institute Grant, a Sullivan Foundation Grant and a Harp Grant.  He is associate professor of voice Michigan State University's College of Music. Lightfoot's "An American Tapestry" with pianist Dr. Deborah Moriarity, can now be heard on Blue Griffin Records.

PRIZEWORTHY

Winners of The American Prize in Vocal Performance - Friedrich and Virginia Schorr Memorial Awards, 2013

The American Prize in Vocal Performance—Friedrich and Virginia Schorr Memorial Award, honors the memory of the greatest Wagnerian baritone of his age, Friedrich Schorr, who commanded the operatic stage between the world wars, and his wife, Virginia Schorr, who taught studio voice at the Manhattan School of Music and the Hartt School of Music for nearly fifty years.

For more about Friedrich & Virginia Schorr and the original Friedrich Schorr Memorial Performance Prize in Voice international competition, follow this link. Complete listings of finalists and semi-finalists in The American Prize competitions may be found on our blog. Please scroll down for winners and runners-up in earlier competitions.

Opera Prizes

Art Song Prizes

 

The American Prize in Vocal Performance (OPERA)—Friedrich and Virginia Schorr Memorial Award, 2013

PROFESSIONAL DIVISION (women):

The American Prize winner:
Suzanne Vinnik   (New York, NY)

During the 2012-2013 season this exciting 26-year-old soprano makes her highly anticipated debut with Florida Grand Opera in La traviata as Violetta Valéry under the baton of Maestro Ramon Tebar. She opened the season with a performance in Washington D.C. for the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute's (CHCI) 35th Awards, where she followed US Vice President Joe Biden. Upcoming engagements include a concert with legendary tenor Marcello Giordani with Vero Beach Opera, concerts with the Marcello Giordani Foundation at Merkin Concert Hall and Opera America and Mahler's Symphony No. 4 with Rouge Valley Symphony. Various highlights include Micaela in Carmen with Lyric Opera Virginia, Musetta in La boheme with Lorin Maazel's Castleton Festival, Nevada Opera Theatre, and Opera North, Leila in Les pêcheurs de perles and Gretel in Hansel und Gretel, both with Pittsburgh Opera. She is the recipient of numerous awards most notably from Georg Solti Foundation, The American Prize, Sullivan Foundation, Gerda Lissner, Opera Index, George London, Palm Beach Opera, Queen Sonja International Music Competition among others. Please visit www.suzannevinnik.com for more information on this artist.

 

Among judges' comments: "...a rich voice of incredible clarity and beauty…..perfect for the repertoire submitted."

 

2nd Place:

Josefien Stoppelenburg   (Evanston, IL)

Josefien Stoppelenburg, soprano, performs frequently as soloist in the United States, the Netherlands, and Germany. In Chicago she has performed with Baroque Band, the Apollo Chorus, the Newberry Consort, Handel Week Festival, Fulcrum Point, Ars Musica, Music of the Baroque and the Chicago Bar Association Symphony. From 2005 until 2007 Josefien was part of the Young Opera Ensemble of Cologne. Her operatic roles include Serpina (La Serva Padrona), Amor (Orfeo ed Euridice) and Belinda (Dido and Aeneas), and Poulenc’s La Voix Humaine. She sang Aci in the Haymarket Opera Company’s acclaimed premiere of Handel’s Aci, Galatea e Polifemo and Tirsi in Clori, Tirsi e Fileno. Recent engagements include Bach/Pergolesi Stabat Mater (with Camerata Amsterdam), Haydn’s Lord Nelson Mass and Stabat Mater, Handel's La Resurrezione and Dixit Dominus (Baroque Band), Faure Requiem with Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra, and the world premiere of Jacob TV’s The News, a multi-media reality opera, in Pittsburgh. Josefien won The American Prize Chicago Oratorio Award earlier this season. See also www.josefienstoppelenburg.com

 

3rd Place:

Arietha Lockhart   (Decatur GA)

 

Arietha Lockhart was the voice of the White Butterfly during the Opening Ceremonies of the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta. A favorite soloist of conductor Robert Shaw, she frequently performs works by contemporary American composers as well as music of international masters in recitals and concerts. Recent performances include works by Handel, Bach, Beethoven, and Mozart. Her roles include Zerbinetta (Ariadne), Queen of the Night (Magic Flute) Mama King in the contemporary opera (I Dream) about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by composer Douglas Tappin. Her prizes and honors include: an Aspen Music Festival fellowship, 2nd place in the first Competition sponsored by Classical Singer Magazine, The National Opera Association Competition’s Legacy Award, 2nd place in The Center for Contemporary Opera International, the Friedrich Shorr Memorial Prize in Voice, Super Finalist in American Opera Idol Competition, 3rd place in the Oratorio Society of New York competition, and winner of the Meistersinger Competition in Graz, Austria.  Website: www.AriethaLockhart.com

 

PROFESSIONAL DIVISION (men):

The American Prize winner:
CHRISTIAN KETTER (IL)

Tenor Christian Ketter is returning in summer 2013 to Music By The Lake for a staged gala concert as Prince Karl Franz in Sigmund Romberg’s The Student Prince. A recent tenor soloist in the Bruckner Te Deum with the Chicago Bar Symphony Orchestra & Chorus as winner of The American Prize Chicago Oratorio Award, Christian's performances this past year also included tenor soloist in both DuBois’ Les sept paroles du Christ and Saint-Saëns’ Oratorio de Noël, and Willy Loman in Rizzer’s operatic adaptation of Death of a Salesman, this last at the Chicago Cultural Center. Mr. Ketter was privileged in the past year to be musically coached and staged by American composer Carlisle Floyd in a concert of his operatic works.

 

Christian Ketter was an International Finalist in the Kurt Weill Foundation’s Lotte Lenya Competition, 2nd National Winner in both the HalLeonard Art Song and Musical Theatre Competitions, and was a 2012 winner of The American Prize Friedrich Schorr Memorial Award. He is the recipient of the Shirley Rabb Winston Scholarships in Voice (Grand Prize Winner), was a National Finalist in the Shreveport Opera Competition and a finalist for the Harold Haugh young artist award.   

 

Mr. Ketter has studied under and sung in masterclasses with renowned artists including legendary stage director Tito Capobianco; soprano, Diana Soviero; baritone, Nathan Gunn; Maestro Enrique Patrón de Rueda; the Metropolitan Opera’s Joan Dornemann; film conductor David Friedman; Verdi Baritone Sherrill Milnes; and heldentenor Carl Lawrenz. For more information about Mr. Ketter go to www.christianketter.com

 

Among judges' comments: "Mr. Ketter has a beautiful, silvery voice.  He sings with wonderful legato lines and spins a lovely musical phrase."

 

2nd Place:

Mitchell Hutchings   (Cincinnati, OH)

Mitchell Hutchings’ most notable roles include the title roles in GIANNI SCHICCHI and SWEENEY TODD, Marcello in LA BOHÈME, Tarquinius in THE RAPE OF LUCRETIA, Escamillo in LA TRAGÉDIE DE CARMEN, Germont in LA TRAVIATA, Mercutio in ROMÉO ET JULIETTE, Marullo in RIGOLETTO, Quince in A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM, Frank in DIE FLEDERMAUS, Ben in THE TELEPHONE, Yamadori & the Commissioner in MADAMA BUTTERFLY, and Benoit & Alcindoro in LA BOHÈME. Mitchell has been a Resident Artist of Pensacola Opera, Opera Saratoga, Ash Lawn Opera, DiCapo Opera Theatre, the Opera Theatre and Music Festival of Lucca, the Czech-American Summer Music Institute, and Opera Tampa's V.O.I.C.Experience program.  Mitchell received his master's degree from Florida State University where he studied with David Okerlund.  He is currently attending the University of Kentucky. He makes his home in Cincinnati, OH with his wife, and composer, Sarah Hutchings. www.MitchellHutchingsBaritone.com.

 

3rd Place:

Michael Orlinsky    (Chicago, IL)

Michael Orlinsky is a baritone who is developing a growing singing career in the Chicago area.  As well as singing for several companies, he has produced, directed and portrayed Bob in The Old Maid and the Thief and Ben in The Telephone.  Since moving to Chicago he has started graduate studies at North Park University (NPU) studying with Dr. Karen Bauer.  Michael has been seen in such roles as Papageno (The Magic Flute) and The Wolf (The Knightly News) (Premiere), among other roles.  Michael is a composer of art song as well as a performer. Michael is engaged to perform Ko-ko-ri-ko in Ba-ta-clan with North Park University as well as solos in Messiah, and Bach’s Magnificat.  He will also be covering the bass solos in the Faure Requiem with VOX3. In the fall he is engaged to sing Zuniga in Carmen.  www.mobaritone.com

COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY DIVISION (women):

The American Prize winner:
Lilla Heinrich Szász   (Princeton, NJ)

24 year old soprano Lilla Heinrich Szász has won critical acclaim for her “appealing sound, agile coloratura and oversize wit” (The New York Times) and has performed to great acclaim in both operatic and concert repertoire across the U.S and Europe. She is a masters student at Juilliard, where she received her Bachelors and is a recent winner of the Juilliard Honors Recital.  Operatic highlights include Lucinde (MET + Juilliard collaboration of Gluck's Armide), Susanna (Le nozze di Figaro), Belinda (Dido and Aeneas), Helena (Midsummer Night's Dream), Laetitia (Old Maid and the Thief), Geraldine (Hand of Bridge) and has fully covered the roles of Sophie (Der Rosenkavalier), Donna Elvira (Don Giovanni), Zhou (Kommilitonen! U.S. premier) and Drusilla (L'incoronazione di Poppea). She has also worked with renowned artists Richard Bonynge, Alan Gilbert, William Christie, Ken Noda, Graham Johnson, Warren Jones and performed in Marilyn Horne's Foundation Festival at Carnegie Hall. www.lillaheinrichszasz.com

 

Among judges' comments: "The instrument is round and supple, overall, with a wonderful attention to musicality."  

 

2nd Place:

Vanessa Naghdi    (Manassas, VA) 

Lyric coloratura soprano Vanessa Naghdi received her Bachelor of Music degree from Virginia Commonwealth University. Her opera and musical theater credits include Amelia Goes to the Ball (Amelia), Hansel and Gretel (Dew Fairy), Suor Angelica (Lay Sister), Die Fledermaus, and most recently, Camelot with Virginia Opera. Vanessa has also performed opera in Europe, including in Die Jungfrau von Orléans (Solo Angel) and Suor Angelica (Genevieffa) with the Mittelsächsisches Theater, and in recital, including in “An Evening of Mörike Lieder.”  She has performed with the Crittenden Opera Studio and Buck Hill-Skytop Music Festival. In 2011, Ms. Naghdi was awarded both the Summer Studies Grant and Friends of Opera Scholarship from VCU’s Department of Music and was the First Place winner in the VA NATS Competition. She is a current student of Elizabeth K. Vrenios and will be attending graduate school for voice in the fall of 2013.

3rd Place:

Diana Yodzis    (Matthews, NC)

Diana Yodzis, mezzo-soprano, is an active performer in Opera, musical theater and concert works. Roles include Hansel, Hansel and Gretel, Mother, Amahl and the Night Visitors, Laurie, Oklahoma!, Announcer, Gallantry, and more.  A senior at UNCG, Ms. Yodzis will be starting graduate studies in the fall after spending her summer at Warren Jones and Marilyn Horne's prestigious young artist program at The Music Academy of the West, where she will sing the Second Lady in Die Zauberflöte.  Diana is a frequent award winner in competitions including National MTNA (Finalist, 2013), NC Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions (Encouragement Award, 2013), NCNATS (1st place, 2009-2013) and others.  Ms. Yodzis is an Alyse Smith Cooper Music Scholarship recipient at UNCG under the tutelage of Dr. Nancy Walker.

 

HIGH SCHOOL DIVISION (women):

The American Prize winner:
Emily Pogorelc   (Whitefish Bay, WI)

Emily Pogorelc is 16 years old and a junior at Whitefish Bay High School in Wisconsin. She has been studying voice since the age of 9 and currently studies with Julia Faulkner. In the past year, she was awarded first place at the Classical Singer Magazine Competition, Music Teachers National Association Competition, the Schmidt Competition and the Walgreen's National Concerto Competition as well as winning first place at Wisconsin NATS. This year, Emily won a place in the Florentine Opera High School Master Class Competition. Emily has performed with the Florentine Opera, Skylight Opera and Opera a la Carte and attended Walnut Hill's summer intensive program in 2012.

 

Among judges' comments: "...brings power and flexibility to her performance while maintaining a sense of delicacy to softer selections."

 

2nd Place:

Hayley Boggs    (Oakland, MI)

 

Hayley has been receiving vocal instruction for six years and is currently studying under Martha Sheil at the University of Michigan. She has been involved in over twenty community theatre productions, but her passion is opera. She won first place in the Hal Leonard Art Song competition and placed third in their Musical Theatre Division. She made it to semifinals in the Classical Singer Competition. Also, she was a vocal soloist at the Michigan Youth Arts Festival in 2012.

 

3rd Place:

Emily Perry    (Powell, OH)

Emily Perry, 16, is a sophomore at Olentangy Liberty High School and a member of several of its choirs.  Additionally, Emily is a member of the Columbus International Children's Choir and a private student of Yvonne Shapiro-Mazo.  When not pursuing her love for singing, Emily enjoys working with autistic children, reading, spending time with her family and friends, working on mission trips, and writing.  Emily resides in Powell, Ohio with her mother, father, and brother.

 

 

The American Prize in Vocal Performance (ART SONG)—Friedrich and Virginia Schorr Memorial Award, 2013

 

PROFESSIONAL DIVISION (women):

The American Prize winner:
Emily Marvosh   (Cambridge, MA)

Emily Marvosh, contralto, is gaining recognition as a skilled performer of oratorio and opera, with a “flexible technique and ripe color,” and “smooth, apparently effortless vocal display.” She has recently appeared as a soloist with the Handel and Haydn Society, Opera Boston, Boston Lyric Opera, and Longwood Opera; she is also a frequent soloist with the Marsh Chapel Bach Cantata Series. Forays into new music include world premieres with Juventas New Music and Intermezzo Chamber Opera.  She is a founding member of the Lorelei ensemble, promoting new music for women.  Of a recent Lorelei world premiere, one critic wrote, “Marvosh, whose stage presence was a joy to behold, offered a tone that had the velvety soulfulness of a cello…”

 

Solo appearances in 2012-2013 include the Charlotte Symphony (Messiah), Handel and Haydn Society (Magnificat), Brookline Symphony (Sea Pictures), Chorus of Westerly (Mozart’s Requiem), Chicago Bar Association Symphony (Bruckner Te Deum). She holds degrees from Central Michigan University and Boston University.  Ms. Marvosh won The American Prize Chicago Oratorio Award earlier this spring. www.emilymarvosh.com

 

Among judges' comments: "Her overall tone quality is warm without being covered. The ease with which she negotiates her passaggio is notable..."

 

2nd Place:

Kristina Bachrach   (Nashville, TN)

Kristina Bachrach is a soprano making a name for herself in New York City and around the country. Originally from Holliston, Massachusetts, Kristina currently resides in Nashville where she is a member of Nashville Opera’s Mary Ragland Young Artist Program. In Nashville she has appeared as Clorinda in Rossini’s La Cenerentola and Papagena in Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte. In November of 2011 she created the role of Lucinda in the world premiere of Nico Muhly's opera Dark Sisters with Gotham Chamber Opera and in June of 2012 appeared in the same role with the Opera Company of Philadelphia. During the summer of 2012 she attended the Tanglewood Music Center as one of their Soprano Fellows. While at Tanglewood she performed in Arnold Schoenberg’s Pierrot Lunaire. That same summer she appeared with the Berkshire Choral Festival and Springfield Symphony as Lisette in Puccini’s La Rondine. In the summer of 2013 she will return to Tanglewood Music Center.

3rd Place:

Abigail Krawson   (Jamaica Plain, MA)

Abigail Krawson most recently sang the soprano solo in a performance of Poulenc's Gloria with the Masterworks Chorale. She also was recently seen as a Gypsy in Rachmaninoff's Aleko with Commonwealth Lyric Theater and cover to the role of Despina in Cosi fan tutte with NEMPAC Opera. In 2011 Ms. Krawson was a young artist with Boston Early Music Festival and during that same year, portrayed L’Eternità in Harvard Early Music Society’s production of La Calisto. A graduate of the New England Conservatory, she performed the roles of Second Woman in Dido and Aeneas and Pamina in The Magic Flute (Opera Outreach).  In Boston, she serves as a co-director for Opera on Tap, an organization dedicated to promote opera as a viable, living and progressive art form deserving a place on the American cultural landscape. Abigail is currently rehearsing for The Merry Wives of Windsor with Boston Midsummer Opera, as well as the soprano solos in Carmina Burana and the Brahms' Requiem with Chorus Promusica. For more information please visit www.operabby.com.

PROFESSIONAL DIVISION (men):

The American Prize winner:
Darren Chase   (New York, NY)

 

Raised in a family of musicians, recordings of Fischer-Dieskau, Prey and Souzay were Darren Chase’s first influences. He began performing art song as a teenager, studying first in his native San Diego and then continuing his education at UC Berkeley and Boston University.  His wide range of operatic, concert and cabaret performances includes appearances with the Santa Fe Opera, the Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra, the Aspen Music Festival, the International Contemporary Ensemble and Exilkabarett.  His first CD, The Young Debussy, was released in 2011.  He recently completed a new album, Schumann Liederkreis: Three Song Cycles, which has recently been released. www.darrenchase.net

 

Among judges' comments: "Mr. Chase sings with exquisite technique, consistent up and down the scale."

2nd Place:

Michael Cavalieri   (Homewood, IL)

Baritone Michael Cavalieri has sung a wide range of styles and repertoire, from concert to opera to ensemble.  He was last seen on the Symphony Center  stage with Sir Marc Elder and the Chicago Civic Orchestra singing Mahler's Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen.  Previously, he made his Chicago Chorale debut in Grieg's Four Hymns. His operatic roles include Count Almaviva (Le Nozze di Figaro), Guglielmo (Così fan tutte), Gianni Schicchi,Valentin (Faust), Escamillo (Carmen), and Germont (La Traviata).  He was heard in Light Opera Works productions of Sondheim's A Little Night Music (Carl Magnus) and Gilbert & Sullivan's The Pirates of Penzance (Pirate King), a performance which prompted the Chicago Sun-Times to call his voice "rich and juicy."  Michael contributed over a dozen songs to the complete songbook of Charles Ives for Naxos Records. He currently sings in the ensembles of the Chicago Symphony Chorus, Lyric Opera of Chicago, and Solo Dei Gloria. http://michael.cavalieri.ws

 

3rd Place:

Conor Angell    (Houghton, NY)

Born and reared in Ireland, baritone Conor Angell recently completed his doctoral degree in voice at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music. This fall, he joined the faculty of the Greatbatch School of Music, Houghton College, where he teaches voice and directs the lyric theater. With IU Opera Theater, he appeared in performances of A View from the Bridge, Il barbiere di Siviglia, The Tale of Lady Thi Kinh and Gianni Schicchi. Previously, Angell was a studio artist at Kentucky Opera, singing roles in Werther, Pirates of Penzance, Verdi’s Otello, Telemann's Don Quichotte and Tchaikovsky’s Iolanta. Other operatic credits include roles in Le nozze di Figaro, Così fan tutte, La bohème, Rigoletto, Susannah, Don Giovanni, Die Zauberflöte, Madama Butterfly, and La vida breve. Angell has sung at the Opera North and Brevard Music Center summer festivals. He completed his master’s degree at UNC-Greensboro and his bachelor’s degree at Taylor University. Angell has performed as a soloist with orchestras in Illinois, Indiana and North Carolina in oratorio and concert works. Earlier this spring, he was chosen as a winner of The American Prize Chicago Oratorio Award.

COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY DIVISION (women):

The American Prize winner:
Courtney Miller   (Jamaica Plain, MA) 

Award winning Mezzo-Soprano Courtney Miller is the 2013 winner of the National Federation of Music Clubs’ Young Artist Competition in Women’s Voice.   A New England Regional Finalist in the Metropolitan Opera Auditions, Ms. Miller has twice been the recipient of the Rislov Foundation Award for her "excellence and promise as a classical musician," and is a current Career Bridges Encouragement Grant recipient. Ms. Miller will be joining Virginia Opera as a Resident Artist for the 2013-14 season.  There, she will sing Meg Page in Falstaff, Third Lady in The Magic Flute, Mercédès in Carmen while covering Carmen, Dryade in Ariadne auf Naxos while covering the Komponist, and covering the Beggar Woman in Sweeney Todd.  This spring of 2013 Ms. Miller sang the role of Sister Helen in the New England premier of Dead Man Walking.  Additional career highlights include the title role in L’enfant et les sortilèges, Concepción in L’heure Espagnole, Alisa in Lucia di Lammermoor, Romeo in I Capuleti e i Montecchi, the Witch in Hansel and Gretel, and Nancy in Albert Herring.  She has sung with Chautauqua Opera. Boston Lyric Opera, Ohio Light Opera, Seagle Music Colony, and Juventas New Music Ensemble.  A Wisconsin native, Ms. Miller holds degrees from the University of Michigan and the Boston Conservatory.  www.courtneyallycemiller.com

 

Among judges' comments: "There is a presence about your voice and interpretation that is top-notch in this category. The voice seems natural and free..."

 

2nd Place:

Clare Demer   (Tucson, AZ)

Clare Demer is a 19 year old Vocal Performance major at University of Arizona in Tucson, AZ.  Clare began her music studies with piano at age 6 and discovered her love for singing when she was 13.  In 2009 and 2010 she sang with the Youth Choral Academy, as part of the Oregon Bach Festival.  In 2011, she attended the Walnut Hill Summer Opera Intensive in Natick, MA, and Italy, and in 2012 the Saarburg Chamber Music Festival in Saarburg, Germany.  A student of Dr. Kristin Dauphinais, Clare was the 1st place winner in The American Prize in Vocal Performance, Art Song Division (High School) in 2012, winner of the Shirley Rabb Winston Voice Competition in 2012 and 1st place winner of the Amelia Rieman Opera Competition in 2013.

 

3rd Place:

Lilla Heinrich Szász   (Princeton, NJ)

24 year old soprano Lilla Heinrich Szász has won critical acclaim for her “appealing sound, agile coloratura and oversize wit” (The New York Times) and
has performed to great acclaim in both operatic and concert repertoire across the U.S and Europe. She is a masters student at Juilliard, where she received her Bachelors and is a recent winner of the Juilliard Honors Recital.  Operatic highlights include Lucinde (MET + Juilliard collaboration of Gluck's Armide), Susanna (Le nozze di Figaro), Belinda (Dido and Aeneas), Helena (Midsummer Night's Dream), Laetitia (Old Maid and the Thief), Geraldine (Hand of Bridge) and has fully covered the roles of Sophie (Der Rosenkavalier), Donna Elvira (Don Giovanni), Zhou (Kommilitonen! U.S. premier) and Drusilla (L'incoronazione di Poppea). She has also worked with renowned artists Richard Bonynge, Alan Gilbert, William Christie, Ken Noda, Graham Johnson, Warren Jones and performed in Marilyn Horne's Foundation Festival at Carnegie Hall. www.lillaheinrichszasz.com

 

HIGH SCHOOL DIVISION (women):

The American Prize winner:
Emily Pogorelc   (Whitefish Bay, WI)

Emily Pogorelc is 16 years old and a junior at Whitefish Bay High School in Wisconsin. She has been studying voice since the age of 9 and currently studies with Julia Faulkner. In the past year, she was awarded first place at the Classical Singer Magazine Competition, Music Teachers National Association Competition, the Schmidt Competition and the Walgreen's National Concerto Competition as well as winning first place at Wisconsin NATS. This year, Emily won a place in the Florentine Opera High School Master Class Competition. Emily has performed with the Florentine Opera, Skylight Opera and Opera a la Carte and attended Walnut Hill's summer intensive program in 2012.

 

Among judges' comments: "...superb phrasing...excellent renditions of the English...excellent upper resonance..."

 

2nd Place:

Olivia Boen   (River Forest, IL)

Soprano Olivia Boen is a 17-year-old senior at Oak Park River Forest High School in Oak Park, IL. A student of Elizabeth Gottlieb, Olivia was a semi-finalist at the 2012 Classical Singer Competition, a prize winner at the 2012 NATS competitions, and will make her WFMT "Introductions" radio debut in April, 2013. Olivia is a Junior Division and Bravo Award winner of Chicago's 2013 Bel Canto Foundation. As a member of the Chicago Children's Choir, she has been a featured soloist with the prestigious Concert Choir, Madrigals, and Voice of Chicago groups. Olivia has attended summer programs at Interlochen, Lamont School of Music, University of Michigan MPulse, the 2012 Oberlin VAHS, and has had the privilege of performing in Master Classes with Nicole Cabell and Renee Fleming. As the daughter of members of the Lyric Opera of Chicago orchestra, Olivia looks forward to continuing the family musical tradition when she will begin studying as a Vocal Performance major at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music in the fall.

3rd Place:

Emily Peterson   (San Diego, CA)

Music is high school senior Emily Peterson’s passion. She has studied piano since age five, joined her first choir at ten, developing an enduring love of playing the piano and singing jazz, bossa nova, classical, and Renaissance music. In addition to solo performances at weddings and other events, her current vocal opportunities vary from San Rafael choir section leader, La Jolla Symphony Chorus soprano, and Westview High School choir president and soprano section leader. A member of seven choirs, she performed twice at Carnegie Hall in 2012. Emily has moved four times, the travels taking her to several European countries and numerous US states before settling in San Diego.

 

***

 

The American Prize in Vocal Performance—CHICAGO ORATORIO AWARDS, 2013

These four soloists appeared in concert in Chicago performing Bruckner's Te Deum under the auspices of The American Prize national nonprofit competitions in the performing arts.

JOSEFIEN STOPPELENBURG, soprano

Josefien Stoppelenburg, soprano, performs frequently as soloist in the United States, the Netherlands, and Germany. In Chicago she has performed with Baroque Band, the Apollo Chorus, the Newberry Consort, Handel Week Festival, Fulcrum Point, Ars Musica and Music of the Baroque. From 2005 until 2007 Josefien was part of the Young Opera Ensemble of Cologne. Her operatic roles include Serpina (La Serva Padrona), Amor (Orfeo ed Euridice) and Belinda (Dido and Aeneas), and Poulenc’s La Voix Humaine. She sang Aci in the Haymarket Opera Company’s acclaimed premiere of Handel’s Aci, Galatea e Polifemo and Tirsi in Clori, Tirsi e Fileno. Recent engagements include Bach/Pergolesi Stabat Mater (with Camerata Amsterdam), Haydn’s Lord Nelson Mass and Stabat Mater, Handel's La Resurrezione and Dixit Dominus (Baroque Band), the Faure Requiem with Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra, and the world premiere of Jacob TV’s The News, a multi-media reality opera, in Pittsburgh. See also www.josefienstoppelenburg.com

 

EMILY MARVOSH, contralto

Emily Marvosh, contralto, is gaining recognition as a skilled performer of oratorio and opera, with a “flexible technique and ripe color,” and “smooth, apparently effortless vocal display.” She has recently appeared as a soloist with the Handel and Haydn Society, Opera Boston, Boston Lyric Opera, and Longwood Opera; she is also a frequent soloist with the Marsh Chapel Bach Cantata Series. Forays into new music include world premieres with Juventas New Music and Intermezzo Chamber Opera.  She is a founding member of the Lorelei Ensemble, promoting new music for women.  Of a recent Lorelei world premiere, one critic wrote, “Marvosh, whose stage presence was a joy to behold, offered a tone that had the velvety soulfulness of a cello…” Solo appearances in 2012-2013 include the Charlotte Symphony (Messiah), Handel and Haydn Society (Magnificat), Brookline Symphony (Sea Pictures), and the Chorus of Westerly (Mozart’s Requiem).  She holds degrees from Central Michigan University and Boston University.  www.emilymarvosh.com

CHRISTIAN KETTER, tenor

Tenor, Christian Ketter returns in summer 2013 to Music By The Lake for a staged gala concert as Prince Karl Franz in Sigmund Romberg’s The Student Prince. This past year’s performances included tenor soloist in DuBois’ Les sept paroles du Christ and Saint-Saëns’ Oratorio de Noël; Willy Loman in Rizzer’s operatic adaptation of Death of a Salesman at the Chicago Cultural Center. In addition, Mr. Ketter was privileged this past year to be musically coached and staged by American composer Carlisle Floyd in a concert celebrating his operatic works. Mr. Ketter was an International Finalist in the Kurt Weill Foundation’s Lotte Lenya Competition. 2012, National Winner of the American Prize in Opera; Shirley Rabb Winston Scholarships in Voice Grand Prize Winner; National Finalist in the Shreveport Opera Competition; Harold Haugh finalist-young artist award; 3rd National Finalist for Hal Leonard Vocal Competition. Mr. Ketter has studied under and sung in masterclasses with renowned artists: legendary stage director Tito Capobianco; soprano, Diana Soviero; baritone, Nathan Gunn; Maestro Enrique Patrón de Rueda; the Metropolitan Opera’s Joan Dornemann; film conductor David Friedman; Verdi Baritone Sherrill Milnes; and heldentenor Carl Lawrenz.

CONOR ANGELL, baritone

Born and reared in Ireland, baritone Conor Angell recently completed his doctoral degree in voice at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music. This fall, he joined the faculty of the Greatbatch School of Music, Houghton College, where he teaches voice and directs the lyric theater. With IU Opera Theater, he appeared in performances of A View from the Bridge, Il barbiere di Siviglia, The Tale of Lady Thi Kinh and Gianni Schicchi. Previously, Angell was a studio artist at Kentucky Opera, singing roles in Werther, Pirates of Penzance, Verdi’s Otello, Telemann's Don Quichotte and Tchaikovsky’s Iolanta. Other operatic credits include roles in Le nozze di Figaro, Così fan tutte, La bohème, Rigoletto, Susannah, Don Giovanni, Die Zauberflöte, Madama Butterfly, and La vida breve. Angell has sung at the Opera North and Brevard Music Center summer festivals. He completed his master’s degree at UNC-Greensboro and his bachelor’s degree at Taylor University. Angell has performed as a soloist with orchestras in Indiana and North Carolina in oratorio and concert works.

PRIZEWORTHY

Winners of The American Prize in Vocal Performance - Friedrich and Virginia Schorr Memorial Awards, 2012

The American Prize in Vocal Performance—Friedrich and Virginia Schorr Memorial Award, honors the memory of the greatest Wagnerian baritone of his age, Friedrich Schorr, who commanded the operatic stage between the world wars, and his wife, Virginia Schorr, who taught studio voice at the Manhattan School of Music and the Hartt School of Music for nearly fifty years.

For more about Friedrich & Virginia Schorr and the original Friedrich Schorr Memorial Performance Prize in Voice international competition, follow this link. Complete listings of finalists and semi-finalists in The American Prize competitions may be found on our blog. Please scroll down for winners and runners-up in earlier competitions.

Opera Prizes

Art Song Prizes

 

The American Prize in Vocal Performance (OPERA)—Friedrich and Virginia Schorr Memorial Award, 2012

PROFESSIONAL DIVISION (women):

The American Prize winner:
SUZANNE VINNIK (PA)

During the 2011-2012 season, the rising young soprano Suzanne Vinnik will appear with Pittsburgh Opera as Leila in Les pêcheurs de perles, Gretel in Hansel und Gretel, and cover Violetta Valéry in La Traviata. In the spring she will debut with Lyric Opera of Virginia as Micaela in Carmen and sing a recital with the company. During the summer she appears with Opera Hispanica in New York City as Beatriz in Catan's La Hija de Rappaccini. Ms. Vinnik has performed the role of Musetta in La Boheme with Nevada Opera Theatre, Opera North, and most recently under the baton of Maestro Lorin Maazel in the 2011 Castleton Festival Production. In September she appeared on Norwegian Radio and TV as a grand finalist in the Queen Sonja International Music Competition where she sang for Her Majesty Queen Sonja. She is a recent alumna of the Opera Studio at Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia in Rome, Italy where she studied under Renata Scotto and performed in concert at the Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia. She appeared in concerts at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center, as well as with the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, Westfield Symphony Orchestra, and various US and international orchestras. www.suzannevinnik.com

Among judge's comments: "a beautiful legato line and with spinning vocal production. Excellent phrasing and feeling for the text."

2nd Place:

JOANN MARTINSON, ND

A native North Dakotan, Joann earned awards at these competitions: Orpheus, NATS, MONC Auditions, Greensboro MTNA, Coeur d'Alene Young Artists, and Symphony in the Valley. She has played Barbarina, Norina, Yum-Yum, Violetta, Adele, Le Feu, Monica, Gretel, and Lola and performed in concert with the UNCG Orchestra, Vermont Philharmonic Orchestra, and Minot Symphony Orchestra. Joann has her B.A. from Minot (ND) State University under Dr. DeVera Bowles and her Master's from UNCG under Dr. Robert Bracey.

3rd Place:

KATE TOMBAUGH (IL)

Mezzo-Soprano Kate Tombaugh originally hails from Streator, Illinois. She has been featured with the Santa Fe Concert Association and the Utah Symphony and has sung as a young artist with the Santa Fe Opera, Utah Opera and with the Opera Theatre of St. Louis. She holds dual undergraduate degrees from Illinois Wesleyan University in English Literature and Vocal Performance and earned her Master's Degree in Opera Performance from CCM. www.katetombaugh.com

PROFESSIONAL DIVISION (men):

The American Prize winner:
CHRISTIAN KETTER (IL)

Tenor, Christian Ketter most recently had the pleasure of being musically coached and staged by composer Carlisle Floyd in a concert celebrating his works. A 2012 Shreveport Opera Semi-Finalist (3/12), Mr. Ketter has studied under and sung in masterclasses with renowned artists: Tito Capobianco; Nathan Gunn; Diana Soviero; Enrique Patrón de Rueda; Joan Dornemann; David Friedman; and Sherrill Milnes. For more information about Mr. Ketter go to www.christianketter.com

Among judge's comments: "very mature; very open and free; full-throated singing with much passion behind the delivery; beautifully done."

2nd Place:

MATTHEW GARRETT (NY)

Tenor Matthew Garrett is a graduate of Brown University and the Juilliard School. Operatic engagements include Scottish Opera, Houston Grand Opera, Opera Omaha, Glimmerglass Opera, Chicago Opera Theater, Connecticut Opera, Eugene Opera, Syracuse Opera, Jacksonville Symphony, and others. Recent concert appearances have included the Los Angeles and Las Vegas Philharmonics, Cincinnati May Festival, Israel Chamber Orchestra, Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, Arion Ensemble, Basel Festival Orchestra, Opera Orchestra of New York, Virginia Symphony, and others. www.matthewgarrett.net

3rd Place:

JEFFREY HILL (NC)

Jeffrey Hill, 26, tenor was a featured young artist at both Opera Theatre of Saint Louis and Music Academy of the West. Carnegie Hall recital debut 2011. Recital debuts in Paris and New York, and winner of several competitions, including the Marilyn Horne Foundation Competition, and The American Prize (2011). Featured in reviews as "a force to be reckoned with, [a voice] that sounds effortless but absolutely commands the listener's attention," "impressively rich and full-bodied" and "a born entertainer."

COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY DIVISION (women):

The American Prize winner:
DEBORAH BLAKESLEY (WA)

Deborah Blakesley's most recent roles include Donna Elvira in Don Giovanni, La Principessa in Adriana Lecouvreur, Mrs. Grose in Turn of the Screw and Aunt March in Little Women (Banff Opera Centre), the Witch in Hansel and Gretel (Whatcom Symphony Orchestra), as well as several leads at Western Washington University. Upcoming roles include Bersi in Puget Sound Concert Opera's Andrea Chénier, Mozart's Magic Flute in both the Hawaii Performing Arts Festival and the Astoria Music Festival, and Clotilde in a production of Norma featuring Angela Meade and Ruth Ann Swenson (Astoria). She will be attending the University of British Columbia for a Masters in Opera in the Fall.

Among judge's comments: "lovely, rich tone; great artistry and vocal potential."

2nd Place:

RUTH HARTT (MA)

A lyric soprano with an engaging presence on stage, Ruth Hartt has been praised for her "warm and flexible" singing and genuine character portrayals. For her recent performance of Beatrice in Jake Heggie's Three Decembers she was hailed as "simply lovely." Ruth recently returned from the Gerdine Young Artist Program at Opera Theatre of St. Louis, where she covered the role of Donna Elvira. Roles performed include Juliette (Roméo et Juliette), Lauretta (Gianni Schicchi), and Clorinda (La Cenerentola).

3rd Place:

ELIZABETH MARY SUTPHEN (NY)

Elizabeth Mary Sutphen, mezzo-soprano, is a fourth year undergraduate at The Juilliard School. In 2011 she won First Place National in Shirley Winston Rabb Scholarship and The National Young Musicians Showcase. Elizabeth was a soloist in The New York Festival of Song at Juilliard and appeared in A Midsummer Night's Dream for the Juilliard Opera Theater and Aspen Music Festival. She will appear as Il Cavalier Ramiro in the Juilliard Opera Theatre's La Finta Giardiniera.

COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY DIVISION (men):

The American Prize winner:
CRISTOPHER FRISCO (PA)

Cristopher Frisco's 2011-12 season includes role debuts as Lenski in Eugene Onegin, Aeneas in Dido and Aeneas (with both the Opera Company of Brooklyn and the Philadelphia International Fringe Festival), Rodolfo in La Boheme, Laurie in Little Women, and Tebaldo in I Capuleti ed i Montecchi. In concert, he has been heard as the tenor soloist in Mozart's Requiem, Bach's St. Matthew Passion, and Handel's Messiah.

Among judge's comments: "a solid performer. His tone is full, even, flexible, and sung with the entire body in play. To have this kind of sound this early in his career is unusual and exciting."

2nd Place:

ANDREW YORK (FL)

Andrew York, baritone, originally from Arlington, Nebraska is a graduate of the University of the Pacific in Stockton, California where he earned a Bachelor of Music Degree in Vocal Performance. As an undergraduate student at the University of the Pacific, Andrew was fortunate to sing the role of Alidoro in Rossini's La Cenerentola. This opera production was selected as a finalist at both the regional and national levels in the Kennedy Center/American College Theatre Festival held in Washington D.C. Also, during his undergraduate studies, Andrew had the opportunity to sing the role of Aeneas in Dido and Aeneas at the Museumsinsel Fest in Berlin, Germany, and the Prince in the Happy Prince composed by Malcolm Williamson at the University of the Pacific. Andrew received his Master of Music Degree in Vocal Performance from the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Florida.

3rd Place:

MO LI (OH)

Mo Li has won critical acclaim for his "splendid voice and expressive emotion," possessing a rich, sweet voice with distinctive warmth of timber that proves him an established performer in operatic repertoire. He recently successfully made his European debut in performing the role of Fritz in Offenbach's La Grande-Duchesse de Gérolstein, Mo's opera credits also include leading roles as Tito in La Clemenza di Tito, Piquillo in La Perichole, Mario in Piazza Navona, Alfred in Die Fledermaus, Basilio in Le Nozze di Figaro, and Leon in Signor Deluso.

 

The American Prize in Vocal Performance (ART SONG)—Friedrich and Virginia Schorr Memorial Award, 2012

PROFESSIONAL DIVISION (women):

The American Prize winner:
SHARIN APOSTOLOU (NY)

Soprano Sharin Apostolou's roles include Susanna, Nannetta, Gilda, Musetta, Adina, Rodelinda, Le Feu, Belinda, and Fortuna at Portland Opera, Utah Opera, Gotham Chamber Opera, and The Macao International Music Festival. She has been in seen in concert with the Oregon Symphony, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Pittsburgh Symphony, National Chorale, Bremen Philharmoniker, Portland Baroque Orchestra, Tanglewood Music Center, Caramoor Festival, and New England Baroque Soloists. She holds degrees from Carnegie Mellon University and Manhattan School of Music. www.SharinApostolou.com

Among judge's comments: "Excellent voice. Well supported and controlled. Good contrast between styles..Very intelligent singing."

2nd Place:

REBEKAH AUYEUNG (TX)

Soprano Rebekah AuYeung is a versatile singer, equally at home in opera, oratorio, and recitals. Her most recent concert highlight was singing Bach's Cantata 51 on the New York Philharmonic's Chamber Series. Her opera roles include Pamina (Die Zauberflöte), Gretel (Hansel and Gretel), Susanna (Marriage of Figaro) and Almirena (Rinaldo). Upcoming performances include Haydn's Creation, Beethoven's 9th Symphony, and Grieg's Peer Gynt. You may read more about Rebekah at her newly launched website: www.rebekahauyeung.com

3rd Place:

MAGGIE SCHWENKER (PA)

Maggie Schwenker's recent stage credits include The Medium (Baba) and Hänsel und Gretel (The Sandman). She has competed in and won voice competitions hosted by such organizations as NATS and MTNA. Maggie's extensive solo engagements include the alto soli in Schubert's Mass in G, Mozart's Requiem, and Handel's Messiah. Maggie recently completed her MM in Vocal Performance from the UNCG School of Music. She has studied under Levone Tobin-Scott, Daniel Weeks and Dr. Randall Black.

PROFESSIONAL DIVISION (men):

The American Prize winner:
MATTHEW GARRETT (NY)

Tenor Matthew Garrett is a graduate of Brown University and the Juilliard School. Operatic engagements include Scottish Opera, Houston Grand Opera, Opera Omaha, Glimmerglass Opera, Chicago Opera Theater, Connecticut Opera, Eugene Opera, Syracuse Opera, Jacksonville Symphony, and others. Recent concert appearances have included the Los Angeles and Las Vegas Philharmonics, Cincinnati May Festival, Israel Chamber Orchestra, Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, Arion Ensemble, Basel Festival Orchestra, Opera Orchestra of New York, Virginia Symphony, and others. www.matthewgarrett.net

Among judge's comments: "Great resonance in the instrument...Lots of character, and he keeps his color and open quality of his instrument in the quick figuration of the vocal line."

2nd Place:

CHRISTIAN KETTER (IL)

Tenor, Christian Ketter most recently had the pleasure of being musically coached and staged by composer Carlisle Floyd in a concert celebrating his works. A 2012 Shreveport Opera Semi-Finalist (3/12), Mr. Ketter has studied under and sung in masterclasses with renowned artists: Tito Capobianco; Nathan Gunn; Diana Soviero; Enrique Patrón de Rueda; Joan Dornemann; David Friedman; and Sherrill Milnes. For more information about Mr. Ketter go to www.christianketter.com

3rd Place:

JEFFREY HILL (NC)

Jeffrey Hill, 26, tenor was a featured young artist at both Opera Theatre of Saint Louis and Music Academy of the West. Carnegie Hall recital debut 2011. Recital debuts in Paris and New York, and winner of several competitions, including the Marilyn Horne Foundation Competition, and The American Prize (2011). Featured in reviews as "a force to be reckoned with, [a voice] that sounds effortless but absolutely commands the listener's attention," "impressively rich and full-bodied" and "a born entertainer."

COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY DIVISION (women):

The American Prize winner:
RUTH HARTT (MA)

A lyric soprano with an engaging presence on stage, Ruth Hartt has been praised for her "warm and flexible" singing and genuine character portrayals. For her recent performance of Beatrice in Jake Heggie's Three Decembers she was hailed as "simply lovely." Ruth recently returned from the Gerdine Young Artist Program at Opera Theatre of St. Louis, where she covered the role of Donna Elvira. Roles performed include Juliette (Roméo et Juliette), Lauretta (Gianni Schicchi), and Clorinda (La Cenerentola).

Among Judge's Comments: "Impressive. A silvery quality that blooms on the top, the singing has direction and energy, good pitch and fine flexibility."

2nd Place:

ELIZABETH MARY SUTPHEN (NY)

Elizabeth Mary Sutphen, mezzo-soprano, is a fourth year undergraduate at The Juilliard School. In 2011 she won First Place National in Shirley Winston Rabb Scholarship and The National Young Musicians Showcase. Elizabeth was a soloist in The New York Festival of Song at Juilliard and appeared in A Midsummer Night's Dream for the Juilliard Opera Theater and Aspen Music Festival. She will appear as Il Cavalier Ramiro in the Juilliard Opera Theatre's La Finta Giardiniera.

3rd Place:

DEBORAH BLAKESLEY (WA)

Deborah Blakesley's most recent roles include Donna Elvira in Don Giovanni, La Principessa in Adriana Lecouvreur, Mrs. Grose in Turn of the Screw and Aunt March in Little Women (Banff Opera Centre), the Witch in Hansel and Gretel (Whatcom Symphony Orchestra), as well as several leads at Western Washington University. Upcoming roles include Bersi in Puget Sound Concert Opera's Andrea Chénier, Mozart's Magic Flute in both the Hawaii Performing Arts Festival and the Astoria Music Festival, and Clotilde in a production of Norma featuring Angela Meade and Ruth Ann Swenson (Astoria). She will be attending the University of British Columbia for a Masters in Opera in the Fall.

COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY DIVISION (men):

The American Prize winner:
MATTHEW J. DANIELS ( FL)

Baritone Matthew J. Daniels was born and raised in Ft. Pierce, FL. He holds Bachelor of Music and Master of Arts degrees from Florida Atlantic University. He is currently in the Doctor of Musical Arts program at Louisiana State University, where he studies with Dr. Loraine Sims. He taught as adjunct professor of voice at Florida Atlantic University and Indian River State College prior to attending LSU. He frequently performs opera and musical theatre roles.

Among judge's comments: "Great connection to text plus free resonance....Excellent vocal art overall."

2nd Place:

ANDREW BAWDEN (VA)

Originally from Springfield, Illinois, Andrew Bawden, a doctoral student studying with Professor Kevin McMillan, is a graduate of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, the Urbana Center for Alexander Technique, and the Eastman School of Music. In 2007, he was the first place winner and audience favorite winner of the Rochester Classical Idol Competition. Recent credits include roles with Opera Vivente, Ash Lawn Opera Festival, Hubbard Hall Opera Theater and Tri-Cities Opera. Mr. Bawden was a winner of The American Prize Chicago Opera Award in 2012.

3rd Place:

MICHAEL ORLINSKY (IL)

Baritone Michael Orlinsky has performed with Nevada Opera Theatre, Opera Las Vegas, UNLV Opera Theatre, Sin City Opera, Sieur Du Luth, Opera On Tap, RagTag Entertainment, North Park University, and more. He also produced, directed and portrayed Bob in The Old Maid and the Thief in a production that toured Las Vegas. Michael recently started his Graduate studies at North Park University (NPU) in Chicago studying with Dr. Karen Bauer. He will be singing the baritone solos The Seven Last Words of Christ in March 2012, Papageno The Magic Flute in April 2012 with NPU and Schlemil/Hermann in Tales of Hoffman with Katydid Productions in June of 2012.

HIGH SCHOOL DIVISION (women):

The American Prize winner:
CLARE DEMER (AZ)

Clare Demer is a 17 year old senior at University High School in Tucson, AZ. Clare began her music studies with piano at age 6 and discovered her love for singing when she was 13. In 2009 and 2010 she sang with the Youth Choral Academy, as part of the Oregon Bach Festival. In 2011, she attended the Walnut Hill Summer Opera Intensive in Natick, MA, and Italy. A student of Stephanie Morgan Fox, Clare is a 2012 NFAA YoungArts Honorable Mention winner.

Among judge's comments: "a great purity and vibrancy of tone. The Schoenberg shows you clearly connected to the meaning of the text, as is the majority of your program."

2nd Place:

GRACE CANFIELD (IL)

Soprano Grace Canfield, won first place in the Chicago NATS competition in 2011. A high school senior, Grace placed second in the Elgin Opera competition and performed in the 2010 Songfest season at Pepperdine University. Last summer she participated in the Castleton Festival season, making a cameo appearance in Kurt Weill's Seven Deadly Sins under the baton of Lorin Maazel. A student of Nancy Gustafson, Grace hopes to continue her musical studies at a conservatory next fall.

3rd Place:

MADISON WILLIAMS (OH)

Maddie is a high school freshman who loves all kinds of music and spends every available minute learning, performing, or listening to music. She sings in her high school Chorale as well as the Columbus International Children's Choir. Maddie is in her eighth year of piano lessons and holds certificates in piano and music theory. She is also in her high school drama club and, when time permits, participates in musicals at the community theater. www.youtube.com/user/jwwincmh

Special Judge's Citation for Unique Achievement in Artistry and Enrichment:

ALYSSA BOWLBY (CT)

Called "fearless" and "intense" by the Baltimore Sun, Alyssa Bowlby "acted as impressively as she sang" (Houston Press). She made her Carnegie Hall debut in 2007 singing Manon (Massenet). Roles include: Queen of the Night, Adele, Fiordiligi, Clorinda, Nannetta, Frasquita, Marzelline, Mme. Herz, Queen of the Night, and Miss Wordsworth. She holds a BA - Haverford College (Magna cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa, Departmental High Honors) and an MM - Peabody Conservatory (Pi Kappa Lambda). http://www.alyssabowlby.com

The American Prize in Vocal Performance—Chicago Opera Awards, 2012

CHRISTINE STEYER

Steyer was the 2011 winner of The American Prize in Art Song, the Mercer Award and was a Bronze Medal winner at American Traditions Competition. She has performed with opera houses including Lyric Opera of Chicago and has received critical acclaim for Violetta, Butterfly and the Marschallin. Recently, Christine gave recitals with Philip Morehead. She can be heard on Caroline Myss' Voices of the Sacred. Ms. Steyer has performed for 15,000 schoolchildren with Bellissima Opera Outreach, an organization she founded. Christinesteyer.com

WILLIAM BENNETT

For his 2011 debut with Light Opera Works in the demanding title role of the Student Prince, the Chicago Tribune's Chris Jones praised "the gorgeously voiced young tenor William Bennett." William Bennett has also performed solo operatic roles with Chicago Symphony Kraft Series, Lyric Opera of Chicago's Opera in the Neighborhoods program, Chicago Opera Theater Young Artist Program, Ash Lawn Opera, Sugar Creek Symphony & Song, Cedar Rapids Opera, Elgin Opera and DuPage Opera Theater.

ANDREW BAWDEN

Originally from Springfield, Illinois, and now living in Virginia, Andrew Bawden, a doctoral student studying with Professor Kevin McMillan, is a graduate of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, the Urbana Center for Alexander Technique, and the Eastman School of Music. In 2007, he was the first place winner and audience favorite winner of the Rochester Classical Idol Competition. Recent credits include roles with Opera Vivente, Ash Lawn Opera Festival, Hubbard Hall Opera Theater and Tri-Cities Opera.

PRIZEWORTHY

Winners of The American Prize in Vocal Performance - Friedrich and Virginia Schorr Memorial Awards, 2011

The American Prize in Vocal Performance—Friedrich and Virginia Schorr Memorial Award, honors the memory of the greatest Wagnerian baritone of his age, Friedrich Schorr, who commanded the operatic stage between the world wars, and his wife, Virginia Schorr, who taught studio voice at the Manhattan School of Music and the Hartt School of Music for nearly fifty years.

For more about Friedrich & Virginia Schorr and the original Friedrich Schorr Memorial Performance Prize in Voice international competition, follow this link. Complete listings of finalists and semi-finalists in The American Prize competitions may be found on our blog.

Opera Prizes

Art Song Prizes

 

The American Prize in Vocal Performance (OPERA)—Friedrich and Virginia Schorr Memorial Award, 2011

PROFESSIONAL DIVISION (WOMEN):

The American Prize winner:
Laura Strickling, soprano,

Alexandria, VA

Soprano Laura Strickling’s operatic roles include Mimi, Dinorah, Elvira, Josephine, Mabel, Belinda, Countess, Gretel, Micaëla, and Pamina. Concert engagements include Haydn’s Lord Nelson Mass, Beethoven’s Mass in C, and Handel’s Messiah. Winner of the Vocal Arts Society and Baltimore Music Club competitions, she was a finalist in the NATSAA and the Washington International competitions. A graduate of the Peabody Conservatory and the Moody Bible Institute, she studies with Elizabeth Daniels and lives in Alexandria, Virginia.

Among judges' comments: "...expressive & believable, versatile & able to match demands of performance practice, lots of control, free voice, lacks tension..."

2nd Place:

Greer Davis, soprano,

Chicago, IL

www.greerdavis.com

3rd Place:

Tami Petty, soprano,
New York, NY

www.tamipetty.com

 

PROFESSIONAL DIVISION (MEN):

The American Prize winner:
Jonathan Beyer, baritone,

Philadelphia, PA

Jonathan Beyer is a baritone who has performed with opera companies in Dallas, Pittsburgh, Austin, Chicago, Fort Worth, Santa Barbara, and Aix-en-Provence among others. He has also appeared with the Chicago, Pittsburgh, Baton Rouge, Vermont, and Indianapolis Symphonies. He was the 1st Place Winner at the Marian Anderson, McCammon, Cooper, DuPont, Verismo, American Opera Society, and Bel Canto Competitions. He has degrees from the Curtis Institute and Roosevelt University.  Upcoming engagements include Hong Kong, Frankfurt, Knoxville, Dallas, Austin, Chicago Symphony, and Carnegie Hall. www.jonathanbeyer.com

Among judges' comments: "His sound, a joy to listen to, is highly influenced by
his attention to text, is presented with care through specific interpretative choices,
and carries an innate passion that is palpable to its audience."

2nd Place:

John Concepcion,
tenor,
Homewood, IL

www.johnconcepcion.com

3rd Place:

Jonathan Blalock,
tenor,
Sunnyside, NY

www.jonathanblalock.com

 

 

 

 

*****

COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY DIVISION (WOMEN):

The American Prize winner:
Maren Weinberger,
soprano,

Houston, TX

Maren Weinberger is a senior vocal performance major at Oklahoma City University and studies with Larry Keller and vocal coach Jan McDaniel. Last summer she participated in "Si Parla, Si Canta", an opera program in Urbania, Italy under Benton Hess, director of opera at Eastman School of Music, and worked with esteemed faculty including Bob Cowart (The Metropolitan Opera). She has also been seen in Light Opera Oklahoma's '09 summer season in My Fair Lady, The Gondoliers, and A Little Night Music. Her OCU credits include: Violetta in La Traviata, The Consul (as Anna Gomez), Too Many Sopranos (as Jeanette), and Bat Boy.

 

Among judges' comments: "...tone was gorgeous...impressive control and vowel uniformity."

2nd Place:

Rebecca Patrick Flaherty,
soprano,
Pooler, GA

www.rpflaherty.com

3rd Place:

Sara Antunovich,
soprano,
Brooklyn, NY

COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY DIVISION (MEN):

The American Prize winner:
Casey B. Finnigan,
tenor,

Houston, TX

The second place winner of the 2010 Classical Singer competition, Mr. Finnigan is currently working on his MM in vocal performance at the University of Houston. Recent performances include Rodolfo in La Boheme at Sherrill Milnes' "Voice Experience" program. Upcoming engagements include the role of Pablo Neruda in Daniel Catan's new opera Il Postino at the University of Houston. Mr. Finnigan received his BM in voice performance from the University of North Texas in 2009.

 

Among judges' comments: "...ringing, exciting high notes and a full, rich Italianate sound..."

2nd Place:

Luke Scott,
baritone,
West Hartford, CT

 

3rd Place:

Philip Stoddard,
baritone,
New York, NY

 

 

*****

HIGH SCHOOL DIVISION (WOMEN):

There were co-winners in the High school division in 2011. Each receives the same honors.

The American Prize winner:
Laura Corina Sanders,
soprano,

Hillsborough, CA

Laura Sanders is a student at St. Ignatius College Preparatory. She has performed in numerous productions including as Cis in the SF Opera Merola Program production of Albert Herring; Mary in the Lamplighters Music Theatre's The Secret Garden; Laurie in Oklahoma!; and principal and ensemble roles in Beauty and the Beast, Fiddler on the Roof; Guys and Dolls, Cabaret, Yeomen of the Guard, Pirates of Penzance, Iolanthe, Gondoliers, Ruddigore, and A Christmas Carol. www.laurasanderssings.com

Among judges' comments: "...beautiful, flowing and natural vocal tone, ideally suited to her age."

The American Prize winner:

Emily Tworek-Helenbrook,
soprano,
Alexander, NY

Emily Tworek-Helenbrook, 16 year old, lyric coloratura soprano, was showcased on the CBS Morning Show with Renee Fleming. Emily was awarded first place at the Schmidt Vocal Competition and Classical Singer's Mannes College and Boston Conservatory, Marvin Hamlisch BPO Contest, and Rochester Oratorio Classical Idol. Emily performed at the Kosciuszko Foundation, NYC as winner of the Barry Alexander International Voice Competition She performed as a soloist with the Buffalo Philharmonic, Viva Vivaldi Festival (four years), Rochester Philharmonic, Genesee Symphony, and Cheektowaga Orchestra.

 

Among judges' comments: "...beautiful voice...expressive...clear diction..."

 

The American Prize in Vocal Performance (ART SONG)—Friedrich and Virginia Schorr Memorial Award, 2011

PROFESSIONAL DIVISION (WOMEN):

The American Prize winner:
Christine Steyer,
soprano,

Oak Park, IL

 

Chicagoan Christine Steyer received major awards at the Altamura/Caruso International Competition and National Opera Association Competition. Roles include Pamina with Tulsa Opera, Abigail in The Crucible, the Marschallin and Violetta and has performed numerous roles with Lyric Opera of Chicago. Upcoming engagements include Butterfly, Four Last Songs and Mother in Amahl. She is featured on Caroline Myss' Voices of the Sacred and founded Bellissima Opera Outreach which brought free music to 9,000 schoolchildren in 2010. www.christinesteyer.com

 

Among judges' comments: "...really fine voice for Russian literature...consistent timbre quality...with richness and articulate diction throughout the registers."

2nd Place:

Karen Lupton,
soprano,
Atlanta, GA

3rd Place:

Brandie Sutton,
soprano,
New York, NY

www.brandiesutton.com

PROFESSIONAL DIVISION (MEN):

There were co-winners in the Professional division in 2011. Each receives the same honors.

The American Prize winner:
Blake Friedman,

tenor,
New York, NY

 

“Fresh Lyric Tenor” (OperaNews Online) Blake Friedman, is a native of Chicago, Illinois. Praised for his “climactic high notes” by Q on Stage, Mr. Friedman was named Honorable Mention in the 2010 Eisenberg-Fried Concerto Competition and was a Finalist in The New York Lyric Opera Theatre Vocal Competition of 2010. Mr. Friedman’s performance credits include opera, oratorio, solo and choral engagements, most notably: Cover of Tenor 6, “The Prince.” in Conrad Susa’s Transformations as guest artist at The Juilliard School. www.blakefriedmantenor.com

Among judges' comments: "...he knows of what he sings and embodies that in his clear diction, nuanced command of his instrument, and overall musical presentation."

The American Prize winner:
Jonathan Beyer,

baritone,
Philadelphia, PA

 

Jonathan Beyer is a baritone who has performed with opera companies in Dallas, Pittsburgh, Austin, Chicago, Fort Worth, Santa Barbara, and Aix-en-Provence among others. He has also appeared with the Chicago, Pittsburgh, Baton Rouge, Vermont, and Indianapolis Symphonies. He was the 1st Place Winner at the Marian Anderson, McCammon, Cooper, DuPont, Verismo, American Opera Society, and Bel Canto Competitions. He has degrees from the Curtis Institute and Roosevelt University.  Upcoming engagements include Hong Kong, Frankfurt, Knoxville, Dallas, Austin, Chicago Symphony, and Carnegie Hall. www.jonathanbeyer.com

 

Among judges' comments: "His sound, a joy to listen to, is highly influenced by his attention to text, is presented with care through specific interpretative choices, and carries an innate passion that is palpable to its audience."

 

2nd Place:

Mischa Bouvier,
soprano,
Shirley, NY

www.mischabouvier.com

3rd Place:

Darren Chase
tenor,
New York, NY

www.darrenchase.net

*****

COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY DIVISION (WOMEN):

The American Prize winner:
Georgia Duan,

soprano,

Bronx, NY

Soprano Georgia Duan is a rising talent with a keen interest in the Italian and Austrian operatic styles. She made her German debut as the Königin der Nacht (Die Zauberflöte) with the Mittelsächsisches Theater Freiberg and has sung Mabel with Opera San Luis Obispo. In December, she returns to San Francisco to sing Giulia in Rossini’s La scala di seta. Georgia holds degrees from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and Stanford University. www.georgiaduan.com

Among judges' comments: "...lovely voice, good flexibility, excellent choices of repertoire. English diction especially good and easy to understand..."

2nd Place:

Megan Welker,
soprano,
Evanston, IL

3rd Place:

Leah Kaye Serr,
mezzo-soprano,
Shippensburg, PA

www.leahkserr.com

COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY DIVISION (MEN):

The American Prize winner:
Jeffrey Hill,
tenor,

Annandale on Hudson, NY

Jeffrey Hill, 25, tenor. Featured young artist at both Opera Theatre of Saint Louis and Music Academy of the West. Carnegie Hall recital debut last spring. He has already made recital debuts in Paris and New York, and has won several competitions, including the Marilyn Horne Foundation Competition. Featured in reviews as “a force to be reckoned with, [a voice] that sounds effortless but absolutely commands the listener’s attention,” “impressively rich and full-bodied” and “Authoritative.”

Among judges' comments: "...he sings with beautiful musicality and artistry..."

2nd Place:

Thomas Florio,
bass-baritone,
Bloomington, IN

3rd Place:

Jeffrey Grayson Gates,
baritone,
Oklahoma City, OK

www.jeffreygatesbaritone.com

 

 

*****

HIGH SCHOOL DIVISION (WOMEN):

The American Prize winner:
Emily Tworek-Helenbrook,
soprano,

Alexander, NY

Emily Tworek-Helenbrook, 16 year old, lyric coloratura soprano was showcased on the CBS Morning Show with Renee Fleming. Emily was awarded first place at the Schmidt Vocal Competition and Classical Singer’s Mannes College and Boston Conservatory, Marvin Hamlisch BPO Contest, and Rochester Oratorio Classical Idol. Emily performed at the Kosciuszko Foundation, NYC as winner of the Barry Alexander International Voice Competition She performed as a soloist with the Buffalo Philharmonic, Viva Vivaldi Festival (four years), Rochester Philharmonic, Genesee Symphony, and Cheektowaga Orchestra.

Among judges' comments: "...beautiful voice...expressive...clear diction..."

2nd Place:

Ava Borowski,
soprano,
Wilmington, DE

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