Meet our 2026 Jensen Accompanists
When the Jensen Competition grants auditions, we offer singers the option to perform with professional accompanists we make available at no charge. We are delighted to work with three of New York’s finest collaborators!
Artyom Pak has performed in the U.S., Europe, and Central Asia as both a soloist and collaborative pianist. Born in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, he played his first solo recital at the age of 9. After graduating from Uspensky Lyceum, Mr. Pak received a full scholarship to study at Mannes School of Music in New York, where he pursued his undergraduate and master’s degrees. In 2022, he received the professional studies diploma in vocal collaborative piano from Manhattan School of Music. Mr. Pak served as a piano fellow with The Juilliard School's Ellen and James S. Marcus Institute for Vocal Arts. He currently serves as director of Apprentice Artists Program and a member of music staff at Sarasota Opera as well as seasonal staff pianist at The Juilliard School. Learn more by visiting his website. Mr. Pak will accompany singers scheduled to audition Monday, May 18. Photo by Nikolai Sirin.
Dan Franklin Smith is a vocal coach and collaborative pianist based in New York City. He served for 10 years as Music Director and recital soloist with the international festival Elysium: Between-Two-Continents, performing in Europe and the United States. Mr. Smith graduated as a piano major from the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor. To learn more, visit his website. Mr. Smith will accompany singers scheduled to audition Tuesday and Wednesday, May 19-20.
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 Placido Domingo, Renée Fleming, 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. Mr. Kelly will accompany singers scheduled to audition on Thursday, May 21, and at the Finals Competition on Saturday, May 23. Photo by Jonthan Tichler.
