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Meet Our 2022 Finals Judges
UPDATED May 19, 2022 — The 2022 Jensen Foundation Vocal Competition Finals will be judged by this slate of internationally recognized opera professionals. Our Finals Judges have graciously agreed to offer feedback to all finalists who wish to stay after the competition on Saturday, May 21, 2022.
Gregory Buchalter is currently Music Director of Varna International and conductor of Florida Grand Opera, Opera Orlando, Vienna Summer Music Festival, Pacific Northwest Opera, and the South Florida Symphony. He has been Artistic Director of Opera Fairbanks and Opera Las Vegas. In Fairbanks he conducted La Bohème, Carmen, L’elisir d’amore, Don Giovanni, Tosca, La Cenerentola, L’Italiana in Algeri, Hansel and Gretel, Magic Flute, and Pagliacci. Mr. Buchalter is a cover conductor at the Metropolitan Opera where the position of “Maestro di Banda” was created for him. He has been Chorus Master at the Met for several productions including the telecast of Franco Zeffirelli’s production of Don Giovanni and Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess. He has also prepared several world premieres at the Met: John Corigliano’s The Ghosts of Versailles, Philip Glass’ The Voyage, and John Harbison’s The Great Gatsby. To learn more, visit Mr. Buchalter’s website.
Francesca Condeluci is the Director of Classical at UIA Talent Agency. She is a classically trained violinist who, from a young age, won seats in youth orchestras and ensembles, touring and competing internationally. She discovered her passion for opera while completing her undergraduate studies at Duquesne University. After stints with the Pittsburgh Opera and Spoleto Festival USA, Francesca spent six years in the vocal department at Columbia Artists Management, developing and nurturing the careers of some of the most in-demand artists in the industry. Recognized for her ability to identify great talent, Francesca is a guest faculty member at the Potomac Vocal Institute and Drake University. To learn more, visit UIA Talent Agency’s website.
Dr. Carleen Graham is the Inaugural Dean of the Vocal Division at Manhattan School of Music where she oversees classical voice and related studies, opera theatre and choral departments. Previously, she was Director of HGOco, Houston Grand Opera’s celebrated initiative that connects the company to the community through numerous learning and community programs. Dr. Graham is Distinguished Teaching Professor Emerita of the State University of New York – Potsdam where she was director of the award-winning Crane Opera Ensemble for 24 years. She was recently appointed to OPERA America’s Learning & Leadership Council after serving on the steering committee for the Education and Community Forum. Dr. Graham holds degrees from Teachers College Columbia University, New England Conservatory of Music, and Ohio University. She is a board member of the Fritz & Lavinia Jensen Foundation.
In addition, the Jensen Foundation thanks Kathleen Kelly, who agreed to serve as a 2022 Finals Judge but is now unable to be with us on May 21.
COVID Protocols for the 2022 Jensen Competition
UPDATED 5/3/22 — The Jensen Foundation is thrilled to return to CUNY/Baruch Performing Arts Center and in-person auditions for the 2022 Competition. To assure the safety of our singers, judges, guests, and staff, we will follow all guidelines and recommendations set forth by CUNY/Baruch Performing Arts Center.
Prior to Arriving at CUNY/Baruch Performing Arts Center
All singers, accompanists, judges, guests, and staff must digitally submit one of the following in advance of visiting the Baruch Performing Arts Center:
Proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 OR
Proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test based on a sample taken within the seven days prior to your visit.
At least 3 days prior to visiting the Baruch PAC, create a profile on the CUNY/Cleared4 website and follow the prompts to submit your documentation. Please note, this process is more typically used by those directly affiliated with the City University of New York. If you receive messages “clearing you for class” or welcoming you back to the university, do not be dismayed! Follow-up directly with CUNY Help Desk with any questions/concerns.
Approximately one day after you submit your documentation, you will receive notification from Cleared4 regarding your status. When your documentation is approved, you will receive a link to a page that gives a QR code and certifies that you have provided the necessary information. You must show this digital QR code and provide a government-issued photo ID every time you enter the Baruch Performing Arts.
Proof of COVID-19 vaccination must include the following:
A copy of a vaccine record indicating receipt of all doses necessary to complete an FDA authorized/approved or World Health Organization authorized SARS-CoV-2 vaccine series;
Your first name, last name, and date of birth;
The specific name of the vaccine(s) given and the date(s) of vaccination.
Example documentation: CDC Card, Signed Vaccine Information letter from Health Care Provider/Pharmacy, CIR document, NYS Excelsior Pass or NYS Excelsior Pass Plus showing vaccination proof. Please note: You must submit your documentation in English or provide a certified translation.
Proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR testing result must provide the following:
Your negative PCR test results, conducted within the prior 7 days;
Your name on the test report must match the name on your Cleared4 QR Code;
Your test report must include the lab name, address, and contact Information.
Once you are in the Cleared4 system, you may receive notification that you’ve been chosen for “random testing.” Jensen staff have been assured that those associated with the Jensen Foundation Vocal Competition need not undergo random testing. Should you have concerns about this, please contact Competition Director Lisa V. Gray.
Upon Arrival at CUNY/Baruch Performing Arts Center
You must show a government-issued photo ID that matches the name displayed on the digital Cleared4 QR Code. CUNY/Baruch Performing Arts Center will not permit entry to anyone who is feeling any COVID-related or flu-like symptom.
Masking Inside CUNY/Baruch Performing Arts Center
All singers, judges, guests, and staff will wear face masks inside CUNY/Baruch Performing Arts Center at all times with one exception: when they are performing on stage, singers may opt to remove their masks.
Meet our 2022 Jensen Accompanists
When the Jensen Competition grants auditions, we offer singers the option to perform with professional accompanists we make available at no charge. Once again this year, we are privileged to welcome back two of New York’s finest collaborators!
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. Dan will accompany singers scheduled to audition Monday - Wednesday, May 16-18, 2022.
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. Jonathan will accompany singers scheduled to audition on Thursday, May 19 and singers who perform in the Finals Round on Saturday, May 21, 2022.
More About the 2022 Jensen Competition
Meet our 2022 Preliminary Judges
The 2022 Jensen Foundation Vocal Competition is pleased to welcome these esteemed music professionals as Preliminary Judges, hearing our auditioners May 16-19, 2022.
Kirsten Chambers, soprano, has sung the title role of Salome at the Metropolitan Opera, Opera Hong Kong, and Florida Grand Opera. Her Carnegie Hall debut was Maria in Richard Strauss’ Friedenstag with the American Symphony Orchestra. She first joined the roster of the Metropolitan Opera as a cover of Isolde in Tristan und Isolde and rejoined the Metropolitan Opera roster in the 2016-17 season for Die Walküre and to cover Marie in Wozzeck in 2019-20. She made her Indianapolis Opera debut in 2021 singing Donna Anna in Don Giovanni. Abroad, she has sung Elsa in Lohengrin with the Savonlinna Opera Festival, Opéra de Rennes, and the Hong Kong Arts Festival. Favorite engagements include Erwartung with The Orchestra Now, Strauss’ Die Ägyptische Helena with Odyssey Opera, and as the Angel in Angels in America for New York City Opera. Ms. Chambers earned degrees from Illinois Wesleyan University and the Moores School of Music at the University of Houston. Visit her website to learn more.
R. Benjamin “Ben” 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, serving as 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, and a Solo Diploma from Sweelinck Academy at the Conservatory of Amsterdam. Mr. Leaptrott is Vice President of the Fritz and Lavinia Jensen Foundation, a component fund of Foundation For The Carolinas.
Oliver Worthington, baritone, is an Assistant Professor of Music and Coordinator of the Voice Area at Butler University. He also serves as the producing director of Butler Opera Theater. He has recently been featured on recordings of Lord, How Come We Here? and Joys Abiding on Parma Recordings. He performs extensively as an opera singer, oratorio soloist, and recitalist, appearing regionally with Indianapolis Opera, South Texas Lyric Opera, San Antonio Opera, San Antonio Symphony, Hill Country Lyric, Austin Opera and Lone Star Lyric in diverse rolesn- from Eisenstein in Die Fledermaus to Mamma Agatha in Viva la Mamma. Dr. Worthington maintains a full schedule as an educator and performer, and he serves as the President of The Fritz and Lavinia Jensen Foundation, a component fund of Foundation For The Carolinas.
Mezzo Megan Moore Takes First Place in the 2021 All-Virtual Jensen Competition
Mezzo-Soprano Megan Moore
MAY 18, 2021 – CHARLOTTE, NC – Today, the Fritz & Lavinia Jensen Foundation has awarded Mezzo-Soprano Megan Moore First Place in the 21st annual Jensen Foundation Vocal Competition. For this 100% virtual competition, the Foundation asked singers to submit aria video-recordings. From these submissions, judges chose 21 finalists who competed, again via video-recordings. For her arias, Ms. Moore performed “Nacqui all'affanno... non più mesta” from Rossini’s La Cenerentola, “J'ai deux amants” from L'amour masqué by André Messager, and “Wie du warst” from Richard Strauss’ Der Rosenkavalier. Ms. Moore receives $15,000 as first-place winner.
“I am thrilled to receive this honor and support from the Jensen Foundation,” said Ms. Moore. “At a time when opportunities and encouragement for young artists is sorely needed, the foundation has managed to pull off a welcoming, warm, and professional competition experience for us. For that I am truly grateful!”
Ms. Moore earned her Artist Diploma in Opera Studies from The Juilliard School and her Masters of Music degree in Vocal Performance and Literature from Eastman School of Music. Learn more about Ms. Moore on her website.
The Jensen Foundation extends its congratulations to its additional 2021 Jensen award winners: soprano Emily Margevich (Second Place Award Winner - $10,000), sopranos Kaileigh Riess and Alexandria Shiner (Third Place Award Co-Winners - $7,500 each), and tenor Jose Simerilla Romero (Munday Encouragement Award Winner - $3,000). Mezzo-Soprano Stephanie Sanchez won the People’s Choice Vote.
These artists also advanced to the Finals Round of the 2021 Jensen Foundation Vocal Competition, and the Foundation is grateful for their participation:
Danielle Beckvermit | soprano
Lindsay Kate Brown | mezzo-soprano
Leah Brzyski | soprano
Katerina Burton | soprano
Anthony Ciaramitaro | tenor
Sylvia D’Eramo | soprano
Lauren Decker | contralto
Blake Denson | baritone
Véronique Filloux | soprano
Kathryn Henry | soprano
Matthew Hill | tenor
Duke Kim | tenor
Jana McIntyre | soprano
Mikayla Sager | soprano
Sarah Vautour | soprano
Our 2021 Judges
The Jensen Foundation gratefully acknowledges the tireless work of its Preliminary Judges (Carleen Graham of Houston Grand Opera, Ben Leaptrott, Jr. of Brenau University, and Oliver Worthington of Butler University), as well as its Finals Judges: Maestro Gregory Buchalter, Pianist and Vocal Coach Margo Garrett, and soprano (and 2007 Jensen First Place winner) Wendy Bryn Harmer.
Of the competition, Ms. Garrett said, “I feel quite sure I have never judged a competition in which the standard of EVERY singer was as high as that of these 21 singers. Jensen is superbly run and directed, deeply caring, and committed to excellence. What an inspiring experience!”
Maestro Buchalter echoed his appreciation of the talent represented: “It was a great honor and privilege to judge the Jensen Vocal Competition this season. It was different this year in that all the singers were being judged virtually, which created unique challenges for both the singers and the judges. The level of the 21 finalists was extremely high and was very difficult to narrow down to a select few, as the singers showed immense potential. It was wonderful to see that through the course of the pandemic singers have been working hard, keeping their voices in optimum shape and even with a lack of performing experience have made the best of an unprecedented difficult situation. I am certain the world of opera will be featuring many of these fantastic singers very soon.”
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, 409 singers have received more than $802,000 in support.