POSTED APRIL 18, 2021 – CHARLOTTE, NC – After five weeks of evaluating video-auditions from 135 aspirants, the Jensen Foundation today announced the Finalists to its 2021 Jensen Foundation Vocal Competition. They are:

• Alexandria Shiner | Soprano

• Anthony Ciaramitaro | Tenor

• Blake Denson | Baritone

• Danielle Beckvermit | Soprano

• Duke Kim | Tenor

• Emily Margevich | Soprano

• Jana McIntyre | Soprano

• Jose Simerilla Romero | Tenor

• Kaileigh Riess | Soprano

• Katerina Burton | Soprano

• Kathryn Henry | Soprano

• Lauren Decker | Contralto

• Leah Brzyski | Soprano

• Lindsay Kate Brown | Mezzo-Soprano

• Matthew Hill | Tenor

• Megan Moore | Mezzo-Soprano

• Mikayla Sager | Soprano

• Sarah Vautour | Soprano

• Stephanie Sanchez | Mezzo-Soprano

• Sylvia D’Eramo | Soprano

• Véronique Filloux | Soprano

These twenty-one singers compete for more than $47,000 in awards in the coming weeks. The Jensen Foundation hosts a People’s Choice Vote May 3-May 9, featuring one video for each Finalist. Finalists also are judged by a distinguished panel of Finals Judges: Gregory Buchalter, Wendy Bryn Harmer, and Margo Garrett. Read more about our Finals Judges. Singers compete for:

• $15,000, First Place Award

• $10,000, Second Place Award

• $7,500, Third Place Award

• $3,000, Munday Encouragement Award

• Each non-award-winning finalist receives $750.

• People’s Choice Winner receives $500.

The Jensen Foundation thanks its judges for the Preliminary Round of the 2021 Competition: Carleen Graham, Houston Grand Opera; Ben Leaptrott of Brenau University; and Oliver Worthington of Butler University. Read more about our Preliminary Judges.

About the Fritz & Lavinia Jensen Foundation

The Fritz and Lavinia Jensen Foundation is a a Donor-Advised Fund of Foundation For The Carolinas, established by Lavinia Jensen in honor of her late husband, Fritz Jensen. 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, and including this year’s award winners, 409 singers have received more than $796,000 in support.