Meet our 2024 Finals Judges
/The 2024 Jensen Foundation Vocal Competition Finals will be judged by this slate of opera professionals. Our Finals Judges have graciously agreed to offer feedback to all finalists who wish to stay after the competition on Saturday, May 25, 2024. We are grateful to Maestro Capocaccia, Mr. Eberhard, and Ms. Gandhi for the expertise and encouragement they offer our 2024 singers.
Christian Capocaccia, Syracuse Opera and Tri-Cities Opera
Christian Capocaccia is Artistic and Music Director of both Syracuse Opera and Tri-Cities Opera. As a guest conductor he has appeared in the United States and in Europe leading the Orchestra di Roma e del Lazio, Moscow Ballet Orchestra, and Orchestra Sinfonica Città di Grosseto, among others. He has held positions as Assistant Conductor of the Dallas Opera, Resident Conductor of the Fischer Center at Bard College, Assistant Conductor of the Indiana University Opera and IU New Music Ensemble. He is a former Aspen Music Festival Conducting Fellow, where he studied with David Zinman and Murry Sidlin. Born in Rome, he attended the Santa Cecilia Music Conservatory and is a graduate of Indiana University Jacobs School of Music in Bloomington where he studied under David Effron. Visit Maestro Capocaccia’s website to learn more.
Michael Eberhard, Opera Philadelphia
Michael Eberhard is Director of Casting & Artistic Administration at Opera Philadelphia. He served previously as the Operations Manager at the Philadelphia Orchestra and the Director of Orchestra Operations at the Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia. A trained opera singer, Mr. Eberhard has performed with such companies as Opera Theatre of St. Louis, Utah Festival Opera, and Glimmerglass Opera. He received his Bachelor of Music Degree from the Eastman School of Music and his Masters of Music from New England Conservatory, where he studied with Edward Zambara. Learn more about Opera Philadelphia.
Priti Gandhi, Laffont Opera Competition
Priti Gandhi is a leader in opera administration, innovative casting, and a passionate artist advocate in the field. She recently joined the artistic department of the Metropolitan Opera as Associate Director of the Laffont. After a long international opera career that included performances with companies like Seattle Opera, Théâtre du Châtelet, UNAM in Mexico City, the New York Philharmonic, Los Angeles Opera, and the Philadelphia Orchestra, she transitioned into artistic administration with San Diego Opera, Minnesota Opera, and Portland Opera. She is a sought-after audition master class instructor and guest lecturer with schools like the New England Conservatory, Mannes School of Music, and the University of California at San Diego. Learn more about the Laffont Competition.
Join Us on May 25
Twelve finalists wlll compete for more than $40,000 in awards, including the $15,000 First Place award. The Jensen Competition Finals - including Winners Announcements - is a free event, open to the public. Join us at 1 PM on Saturday, May 25 in the Engelman Recital Hall at Baruch Performing Arts Center, 55 Lexington Avenue, New York (entrance on 25th Street between 3rd and Lexington Avenues).