The Gerda Lissner Foundation Presents the 2025/2026 Winners Concert at Carnegie Hall.

Honoring Metropolitan Opera Star Stephanie Blythe

New York, NY (March 30, 2026) – The Gerda Lissner Foundation, in association with The Liederkranz Foundation, will present its annual Winners Concert on Wednesday, April 29, 2026 at 6:30 PM at Zankel Hall at Carnegie Hall. The evening celebrates the next generation of vocal talent and will feature a guest appearance by the Foundation’s 2026 Honoree, Metropolitan Opera star, mezzo-soprano Stephanie Blythe with legendary pianist/conductor Warren Jones. 

As one of the most highly respected and critically acclaimed artists of her generation, Stephanie Blythe’s participation underscores the Foundation’s commitment to bridging established excellence with emerging artistry. The Foundation is thrilled to honor her this year.

EVENT DETAILS

  • What:  The Gerda Lissner Foundation Annual Winners Concert
  • When:  Wednesday, April 29, 2026 at 6:30 PM
  • Where:  Zankel Hall, Carnegie Hall, New York City

The concert will showcase seven top prize winners, selected from hundreds of applicants through rigorous week-long auditions during the Foundation’s 2025/2026 Art Song and International Vocal Competitions:

International Vocal Competition (March, 2026) Top Prize Winners 

  • Titus Muzi III, baritone
  • Ben Reisinger, tenor
  • Korin Thomas-Smith, baritone 
  • Anna Thompson, soprano 

Art Song Competition (October, 2025) Winners 

  • First Prize: Finn Sagal, baritone
  • Second Prize: Magdalena Kuźma, soprano
  • Third Prize: Jennifer Robinson, soprano 

International Vocal Competition Judges:

  • Laura Alley (Opera Director)
  • Ken Benson (Ken Benson Artists, President)
  • F. Paul Driscoll (Former Editor in Chief of Opera News)
  • Susan Quittmeyer (Mezzo-Soprano, Professor of Voice)
  • Midge Woolsey (President,The Gerda Lissner Foundation)

Art Song Competition Judges:

  • Francesco Barfoed (Collaborative Pianist)
  • Tyson Deaton (Conductor, Pianist )
  • Nathaniel LaNasa (Pianist, Opera/Vocal Coach, NYFOS Next-Pianist and curator)
  • Beth Roberts (Professor of Voice)
  • Midge Woolsey (President, The Gerda Lissner Foundation)

The winners will be accompanied by collaborative pianists Arlene Shrut and Francesco Barfoed. The evening will be hosted by Midge Woolsey.

“We received hundreds of applications this season — from all over the world! — and we were especially impressed by the quality of artistry and level of commitment displayed by the young singers during the audition process. Following the Covid-related shutdowns that silenced live performance, it is heartening to see how profoundly these young artists have grown and emerged stronger than ever.” — Midge Woolsey, President, The Gerda Lissner Foundation

TICKETS

Complimentary tickets are available by contacting the Foundation at mail@gerdalissner.org or 212.826.6100 (Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–4:00 PM). A limited number of $15 tickets are also available for purchase through Carnegie Hall.

For more information and tickets: carnegiehall.org

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ABOUT THE GERDA LISSNER FOUNDATION

The Gerda Lissner Foundation was created by Mrs. Lissner, a Metropolitan Opera subscriber for 77 years, to provide young opera singers with the financial support they need to pursue their craft and excel in the world of Opera. The Foundation believes that encouraging and assisting young artists is critical for the continuation of this demanding art form. Long dedicated to supporting singers at the start of their careers, many past winners — including Nadine Sierra, Sasha Cooke, Jamie Barton, Anthony Roth Costanzo, and Ryan Speedo Green — have gone on to perform at leading opera houses worldwide.

Annual vocal competitions showcase top winners each spring in the Winners Concert at Carnegie Hall. The organization also regularly presents music conservatories from around the country in recital at The Greene Space at NY Public Radio, with companion broadcasts on WQXR’s Young Artists Showcase.

THE LIEDERKRANZ FOUNDATION Founded in 1870, The Liederkranz Foundation, Inc. is one of New York City’s oldest cultural institutions, dedicated to supporting the art of singing from its historic home at 6 East 87th Street. For more than 150 years, the Foundation has encouraged vocal excellence through concerts, educational initiatives, and distinguished competitions.The Liederkranz Foundation’s generous support helps underwrite several of this year’s prizes, reflecting The Gerda Lissner Foundation’s shared commitment to nurturing singers at pivotal moments in their careers.

CONTACT

Website:  www.gerdalissner.org

Address:  15 East 65th Street, New York, NY 10065

Email:     mail@gerdalissner.org

Phone:    212.826.6100

Media Contact: Camille Mola: camillemariemola@gmail.com

Review

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