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.
