The Jensen Foundation has awarded soprano Tessa McQueen the First Place grant award in the 26th annual Jensen Foundation Vocal Competition. Ms. McQueen receives $15,000 as First-Place grant winner.

After four days of preliminary auditions, thirteen Finalists to the 2026 Jensen Foundation Vocal Competition have been announced. They compete on Saturday, May 23, for more than $50,000 in grant awards.

The 2026 Jensen Competition Finals will be judged by a renowned slate of opera professionals: Markus Beam, Jayme Burzette, and Dr. Kamala Sankaram.

The Jensen Competition is pleased to welcome three of New York's finest collaborative pianists to accompany our 2026 auditioners.

We are pleased to welcome these esteemed opera professionals as the Preliminary Judges for our 2026 Jensen Foundation Vocal Competition.