Meet the Preliminary-Round Judges for the 2021 Competition

UPDATED May 3, 2021 — These are the opera professionals who served as Preliminary-Round Judges for the 2021 Jensen Foundation Vocal Competition. They watched a LOT of video-auditions this year, and we are so grateful for their expertise and stamina!

Carleen Graham is Director of HGOco, Houston Grand Opera’s community and learning initiative, and she recently announced she will join the Manhattan School of Music on July 1 2021 as its inaugural Associate Dean and Director of Vocal Arts. Dr. Graham is a State University of New York Distinguished Teaching Professor Emerita and was Director of the award-winning Crane Opera Ensemble at SUNY Potsdam for 24 years. She was the co-founding Executive Director of the Fall Island Vocal Arts Seminar, Vice President of Conventions of the National Opera Association, and is a member of OPERA America’s Women’s Opera Network. Dr. Graham holds degrees from Columbia University; New England Conservatory of Music, and Ohio University, and is an active stage director, masterclass teacher, competition adjudicator, and conference presenter. Dr. Graham is a trustee of the Fritz and Lavinia Jensen Foundation.

R. Benjamin Leaptrott, Jr. is assistant professor of music with a specialty in collaborative arts at Brenau University and also an Artist in Residence at Brenau with The Leaptrott Trio. He is an active recitalist, vocal coach, and accompanist, and he also served as a past accompanist for the district and regional Metropolitan Opera Auditions. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Music from East Carolina University, a Masters of Music Degree from Eastman School of Music, as well as Solo and Chamber Music Diplomas from Sweelinck Academy at the Conservatory of Amsterdam. Mr. Leaptrott is Vice President of the Fritz and Lavinia Jensen Foundation.

Oliver Worthington, baritone, is Coordinator of the Voice Area at Butler University and is the producing director of Butler Opera Theater. He performs extensively as an opera singer, oratorio soloist, and recitalist, appearing regionally with San Antonio Opera, San Antonio Symphony, Austin Opera, Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra, and Indianapolis Symphonic Choir, among others. Dr. Worthington maintains a full schedule as an educator and performer and serves as the President of The Fritz and Lavinia Jensen Foundation.

Read more of the details about the 2021 Jensen Foundation Vocal Competition.