Meet our 2023 Finals Judges
POSTED May 1, 2023 — The 2023 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 13, 2023. We are grateful to Ms. Cabelle, Mr. Mauro, and Maestro Summers for the expertise and encouragement they offer our 2023 singers.
Nicole Cabell, soprano- Universally acclaimed for her velvety timbre and finely nuanced interpretations, American soprano Nicole Cabell’s notable debuts include her first staged Bess in James Robinson’s acclaimed production of Porgy and Bess for English National Opera; as Handel’s Alcina at Grand Théâtre de Genève, and as Flavia at Dutch National Opera in Cavalli’s Eliogabalo; alongside appearances in full lyric roles, such as Violetta (La traviata) at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, and for her debut at Opéra national de Paris. Recent US appearances include Contessa (Le nozze di Figaro) for Pittsburgh Opera; a return to the role of Bess (Porgy and Bess) for North Carolina Opera; Juliette (Roméo et Juliette) at Cincinnati Opera, Mimì (La bohème) at Pittsburgh Opera, Donna Elvira (Don Giovanni) at Michigan Opera Theatre; a return to Minnesota Opera as Violetta (La traviata) and to San Francisco Opera in her role debut as Fiordiligi (Così Fan Tutte). Ms. Cabell was the winner of the 2005 BBC Singer of the World Competition. Her solo debut album, Soprano, was named ‘Editor’s Choice’ by Gramophone and received the 2007 Georg Solti Orphée d’Or from the French Académie du Disque Lyrique. Visit Ms. Cabell’s website.
Roberto Mauro has been with the Canadian Opera Company for more than twelve years, overseeing the performance calendar, performer contract negotiations, conductor searches, and casting for COC productions. His portfolio also includes the COC Orchestra and Chorus as well as the young artist program, the COC Ensemble Studio. Mr. Mauro previously held key administration positions with Arizona Opera, Michigan Opera Theatre, L’Opéra de Montréal, and Florida Grand Opera. In addition to his other accomplishments, Mr. Mauro has overseen the casting and production of important new works and has written supertitle translations for approximately 40 operas. Mr. Mauro frequently speaks on composers, repertoire, and singers. Learn more about the Canadian Opera Company.
Brian Speck - As Director of the Sarah and Ernest Butler Houston Grand Opera (HGO) Studio, Brian Speck is responsible for selection, training, and career development of the Butler Studio’s singers and pianist-coaches. He currently serves as co-chair of OPERA America’s Performer Development Network and spearheaded an effort to create a virtual audition process for training programs across the opera industry. He is a frequent adjudicator in vocal competitions, including the Metropolitan Opera’s Laffont Competition, the National Opera Association’s Carolyn Bailey Argento Competition, and HGO’s own Eleanor McCollum Competition. Prior to his current position, Mr. Speck served as HGO’s Company Manager, leading Rehearsal Planning and Artist Services. Mr. Speck holds degrees in voice performance from Pepperdine University and Rice University. Learn more about Houston Grand Opera.
