Lawrence Basara Kiharangwa Wins 2023 Jensen Competition

MAY 13, 2023 – NEW YORK, NY – Today, the Fritz & Lavinia Jensen Foundation has awarded tenor Lawrence Basara Kiharangwa First Place in the 23rd annual Jensen Foundation Vocal Competition. For his arias, Mr. Kiharangwa performed “Se all'impero amici Dei” from Mozart’s La clemenza di Tito and “Salut! Demeure chaste et pure” from Faust by Gounod. Mr. Kiharangwa receives $15,000 as first-place grant winner.

Of the win, Mr. Kiharangwa said, “Every opportunity is a stepping stone to Greatness. When you Manifest it within yourself and allow yourself to show vulnerability, people will reciprocate. This prize money will facilitate my audition traveling expenses and support voice lessons and coaching that refine my artistry.”

Mr. Kiharangwa earned his Master of Music degree in Opera Performance at Maryland Opera Studio and his Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal Performance from the University of Oregon. This summer, he joins the Santa Fe Opera as an apprentice and in the 2023/2024 season, joins Pensacola Opera as a studio artist. Learn more about Mr. Kiharangwa on his website.

The Jensen Foundation extends its congratulations to its additional 2023 Jensen award winners: mezzo-soprano Cloe SanAntonio (Second Place Grant Award Winner - $10,000), mezzo-soprano Edith Grossman (Third Place Grant Award Winner - $7,500), and tenor Ryan Lustgarten (Munday Encouragement Grant Award Winner - $3,000).

These artists also advanced to the Finals Round of the 2023 Jensen Foundation Vocal Competition, and the Foundation commends their stirring performances:

• Emily Blair | Soprano

• Benjamin Dickerson | Baritone

• Taylor-Alexis DuPont | Mezzo-Soprano

• Véronique Filloux | Soprano

• Shanley Horvitz | Mezzo-Soprano

• Chelsea Laggan | Mezzo-Soprano

• Lisa Marie Rogali | Mezzo-Soprano

• Öznur Tülüoğlu | Soprano

• Jason Zacher | Baritone

2023 Jensen Finalists - Kneeling: ryan lustgarten, lawrence basara kiharangwa. Standing l-r: shanley horvitz, emily blair, taylor-alexis dupont, oznur tuluoglu, edith grossman, cloe sanantonio, veronique filloux, chelsea laggan, benjamin dickerson, lisa marie rogali, jason zacher

 Our 2023 Judges

The Jensen Foundation gratefully acknowledges the tireless work of its Preliminary Judges (soprano Kirsten Chambers, Ben Leaptrott, Jr. of Brenau University, and Oliver Worthington of Butler University), as well as its Finals Judges: soprano Nicole Cabell, Roberto Mauro of Canadian Opera Company, and Brian Speck of Houston Grand Opera.

About the Fritz & Lavinia Jensen Foundation

The Fritz and Lavinia Jensen Foundation, a Donor-Advised Fund of Foundation For The Carolinas, was established by Lavinia Jensen in honor of her late husband, Fritz. Their lifelong love for the arts has benefited many musicians and musical organizations. The Foundation continues their philanthropic passion for the musical arts by supporting young artists pursuing a career in opera. The centerpiece of The Jensen Foundation’s work is the annual Jensen Foundation Vocal Competition.  Since the Competition’s inception in 2000, 434 singers have received more than $886,700 in support.