2016 Accompanists Announced

Singers who participate in the Jensen Foundation Vocal Competition may bring their own accompanist or opt to use the professional accompanist provided free-of-charge by the Jensen Foundation. We are pleased to announce our acclaimed accompanists for the 2016 Competition: Jonathan Kelly, Joan Krueger, and Dan Franklin Smith.

Jonathan Kelly is an assistant conductor at The Metropolitan Opera. He has worked in a similar capacity at the San Francisco Opera, Glimmerglass Opera, Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, Opera Theater of Lucca, and the Chautauqua Institution. Frequently seen in concert, Mr. Kelly has appeared with many of today’s leading performers, including Elina Garanča, Susan Graham, Hei-Kyung Hong, Ana María Martínez, Anna Netrebko, Ramon Vargas, and Rolando Villazon. Formerly a lecturer at Yale University, he is now a faculty member at the Manhattan School of Music. Mr. Kelly graduated summa cum laude from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music and continued his studies at the Manhattan School of Music. He is scheduled to accompany Jensen singers on Monday, May 16.

Joan Krueger serves on the faculty of Purchase College, teaching French and Italian diction and Operatic Styles. She is also on the faculty of Martina Arroyo’s Prelude to Performance summer festival, the Westchester Summer Vocal Institute, and the Metropolitan International Music Festival. In addition to being in demand as a recital and competition pianist, Ms. Krueger maintains an active coaching studio in New York City. She received her M.M. from University of Michigan and her B.M. from Michigan State University. To learn more, visit her Purchase Opera bio. Ms. Krueger is scheduled to accompany Jensen singers on Tuesday, May 17 and Wednesday May 18.

Dan Franklin Smith is a vocal coach and collaborative pianist based in New York City. He serves as Music Director and recital soloist with the international festival, Elysium: Between Two Continents. In April 2016, Mr. Smith will accompany Polish soprano Malgorzata Kellis at the Polish Consulate in New York City. He graduated as a piano major from the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor. To learn more, visit his website. Mr. Smith is scheduled to accompany Jensen singers on Thursday, May 19 and on the Finals Day, Saturday, May 21.