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Mezzo Shannon Keegan Wins the 2022 Jensen Foundation Vocal Competition

MAY 21, 2022 – NEW YORK, NY – Today, the Fritz & Lavinia Jensen Foundation has awarded Mezzo-Soprano Shannon Keegan First Place in the 22nd annual Jensen Foundation Vocal Competition. For her arias, Ms. Keegan performed “Wie du warst” from Richard Strauss’ Der Rosenkavalier, “Séguidilla” from Bizet’s Carmen, and “Cara speme” from Giulio Cesare by Handel. Ms. Keegan receives $15,000 as first-place grant winner.

 “I am beyond honored to have won first place at the Jensen Foundation’s 2022 Vocal Competition,” said Ms. Keegan. “The grant will enable me to commission a song cycle with an up-and-coming composer, a project I have long been passionate about pursuing. New music is the life blood of our art form, and I am excited to start work on this collaboration. I am so thankful to the judges, the donors, the board members, the wonderful collaborative pianists (without whom we would be nothing at all), and especially the other singers who shared the stage with me.”

Ms. Keegan earned her Master of Music degree in Vocal Performance from Rice University and her Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal Performance from University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. Learn more about Ms. Keegan on her website.

The Jensen Foundation extends its congratulations to its additional 2022 Jensen award winners: soprano Nicole Haslett (Second Place Grant Award Winner - $10,000), soprano Maureen Brabec (Third Place Grant Award Winner - $7,500), and mezzo-soprano Lisa Marie Rogali (Munday Encouragement Grant Award Winner - $3,000).

These artists also advanced to the Finals Round of the 2021 Jensen Foundation Vocal Competition, and the Foundation commends their stirring performances:

2022 Jensen Finalists & Judges

2022 Jensen Finalists & Judges - front row l-r: Dr. Carleen Graham, Victoria Davis, Aubry Ballarò, Taylor-Alexis DuPont, Francesca Condeluci, Greg Buchalter, Lisa Marie Rogali, Maureen Brabec, Nicole Haslett, Shannon Keegan, Amanda Simms, Chance Jonas-O’Toole, Jonathan Kaufman. Back Row l-r: Jason Zacher, Alex DeSocio

 Our 2022 Judges

The Jensen Foundation gratefully acknowledges the tireless work of its Preliminary Judges (soprano Kirsten Chambers, Ben Leaptrott, Jr. of Brenau University, and Oliver Worthington of Butler University), as well as its Finals Judges: Maestro Gregory Buchalter of Florida Grand Opera, Francesca Condeluci of UIA Talent, and Dr. Carleen Graham of Manhattan School of Music.

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, 421 singers have received more than $844,000 in support.

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And the 2022 Jensen Finalists are...

POSTED MAY 19, 2022 – NEW YORK, NY – After four days of preliminary auditions this week, finalists to the 2022 Jensen Foundation Vocal Competition have been announced. They are:

These twelve singers compete for more than $40,000 in grant awards this Saturday, May 21st at 1 PM at Engelman Recital Hall, Baruch Performing Arts Center in New York City. The singers will be judged by a distinguished panel of opera professionals:

  • 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 previously been Artistic Director of Opera Fairbanks and Opera Las Vegas.

  • Francesca Condeluci is the Director of Classical at UIA Talent Agency. Recognized for her ability to identify great talent, Francesca is a guest faculty member at the Potomac Vocal Institute and Drake University.

  • 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. Dr. Graham holds degrees from Teachers College Columbia University, New England Conservatory of Music, and Ohio University.

More than 200 singers applied to participate in the 2022 Jensen Foundation Vocal Competition. Ninety-three singers were heard, and these twelve finalists were selected. They compete for:

  • $15,000, First Place Grant Award

  • $10,000, Second Place Grant Award

  • $7,500, Third Place Grant Award

  • $3,000, Munday Encouragement Grant Award

  • Each non-award-winning finalist receives a grant of $750.

The Jensen Foundation thanks its judges for the preliminary rounds of the 2022 Competition: Ms. Kirsten Chambers, soprano; Mr. Ben Leaptrott of Brenau University; and Mr. Oliver Worthington of Butler University, as well as accompanists Jonathan Kelly and Dan Franklin Smith. 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

Collaborative pianist Jonathan Kelly

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

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