The Gerda Lissner Foundation Announces New Board Leadership And Welcomes New Trustee

January 20, 2026 – The Gerda Lissner Foundation is pleased to announce new Board leadership, marking an exciting new chapter for The Gerda Lissner Foundation as the organization strengthens its governance for the future and continues its mission of nurturing the next generation of operatic talent.

Michael A. Fornabaio, who has served with distinction as President, will now assume the role of Treasurer. “Serving this Foundation as President has been one of the great privileges of my life,” said Mr. Fornabaio. “I am proud of what we have accomplished together and look forward to supporting our work in this new capacity.”

Midge Woolsey will now serve as President and continues in her role as Co–Artistic Director of the Foundation. A longtime advocate for the arts and a trusted voice in the classical music community, Ms. Woolsey brings extensive experience, vision, and dedication to this expanded leadership role. “Our mission has never been more vital,” said Ms. Woolsey. “I look forward to honoring Michael Fornabaio’s many accomplishments and continuing to support the next generation of talented young artists. ”

Arlene Shrut has been named Vice President and continues in her role as Co–Artistic Director. A distinguished collaborative pianist, educator, and artistic leader, Ms. Shrut will help guide the Foundation’s artistic programming and strategic direction.

Cornelia Beigel will continue in her dual role as Board Secretary and Executive Director of The Gerda Lissner Foundation, overseeing operations, communications, and program administration.

Kenneth Koen joins the Foundation as its newest Trustee. Mr. Koen, a seasoned executive and board advisor with over 30 years of expertise in financial, legal, and strategic leadership, is deeply committed to the arts, education, and heritage preservation. With law degrees from Columbia and NYU, Kenneth recently retired from Paramount Skydance as Senior Vice President Deputy General Tax Counsel. He has served as Warden of the Vestry of Saint Thomas Church Fifth Avenue and is currently the on the board of American Friends of Westminster Abbey and a member of the Board of Visitors of Trinity University.

Karl Michaelis who has served with dedication for many years as Foundation Treasurer will now be recognized as an Honorary Board Member.

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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. We believe that the encouragement and assistance to young artists toward achieving their goals are imperative for the continuation of this demanding art form. For more information, please visit www.gerdalissner.org.

Website: www.gerdalissner.org

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

Email: mail@gerdalissner.org

Phone: 212.826.6100

Accolades

I am truly honored to have received this prestigious award. My heartfelt thanks to everyone involved, and I eagerly look forward to performing at Carnegie Hall!

Finn Sagal, Baritone

Receiving the Judges’ Special Prize in the Gerda Lissner Foundation Art Song Competition is a great honor for me, especially amongst such a talented group of singers this year. To me, art song is one of the most intimate and sublime forms, and as such recital singing has always been one of my true passions. I am so grateful to The Gerda Lissner Foundation for this recognition and their continued support of all young artists.”

Samuel Kidd, Baritone

Receiving this recognition from The Gerda Lissner Foundation is an immense honor. The generous financial support makes an extraordinary difference—it allows young singers like me to continue our training. The performance opportunities that come from this recognition are immensely exciting and inspiring. Having the support of The Gerda Lissner Foundation makes the journey I am on not only possible but profoundly rewarding. I am sincerely grateful for this award and for the reminder that my voice and the story I tell matters.

Jennifer Robinson, soprano

The Special Judge’s Prize in this year’s Art Song Competition was so meaningful to me! I did not necessarily consider myself a ‘song specialist’ when I entered, but I have learned so much about musicality and expression through singing this repertoire. This award inspires me to seek out additional recital opportunities and reminds me of the intimate connection song can facilitate, which can be more personal and accessible than grand opera.

Anna Thompson, soprano

Winning Second Prize in The Gerda Lissner Foundation Art Song Competition is an incredible privilege. This distinguished competition is one of the few that celebrate and preserves the rich tradition of art song, providing a vital platform for artists devoted to this expressive and intimate repertoire. To be recognized by such an esteemed jury is an honor and I am profoundly grateful to the Foundation, its generous supporters, and the dedicated team who make this competition possible.

Magdalena Kuźma, soprano

I am profoundly grateful to The Gerda Lissner Foundation for the honor of having me and for the incredible award. It will be cherished deeply as a very special memento. Thank you from the bottom of my heart! This award symbolizes not only a recognition of my efforts but also serves as a testament to the unwavering support and encouragement I have received from organizations like The Gerda Lissner Foundation, family, and friends. Their instrumental role in nurturing my artistic growth has been a driving force, and this achievement is as much theirs as it is mine.

Sasha Cooke, Mezzo-soprano

The Gerda Lissner Foundation IVC was one of the very first vocal competitions I ever auditioned for many moons ago. Stepping onto the stage of Zankel Hall was an unforgettable full circle moment for me as I went on to perform as the recipient of the second prize. I’m immensely grateful for the recognition and the foundation’s continued support through the opportunities they provide for young artists.

Tatev Baroyan soprano

Last night’s opera concert was nothing short of magical – a truly unforgettable experience. From the breathtaking performances to the grandeur of the venue, every moment was a masterpiece. Events like these remind us of the beauty that music and connection can bring into our lives.

Jewish Association Serving the Aging

Not only a great concert but also a “gathering of the Tribe”.

VOCE DI MECHE

I had an unforgettable experience singing for the Gerda Lissner Foundation at Carnegie Hall for their Winners Concert on April 30th. I am so grateful and honored and proud to have been a part of this experience.

Ashlyn Rock, soprano

Song is a precious and important art form, and The Gerda Lissner Foundation is doing vital work in supporting the next generation of art song performers. I consider it a true honor to be recognized among this year’s group of Lieder/Song Competition prize-winners. Singing at the Winners’ Concert was a highlight of my season — it was a joy to share some of my favorite repertoire in beautiful Zankel Hall alongside a wonderful collaborator, Francesco Barfoed.

Bridget Esler, soprano

Winning the Grand Prize at the Gerda Lissner Foundation Competition was a tremendous honor. Receiving support and recognition from such a distinguished jury is deeply encouraging as I continue to pursue this career. Performing at Carnegie Hall’s Zankel Hall for the first time was truly a dream. The acoustics were stunning, and the full house brought such generous energy to every performer.

Magdalena Kuźma, soprano

I am deeply honored to receive this generous award from The Gerda Lissner Foundation. I am truly grateful for the recognition and support. It was a tremendous privilege to make my Carnegie Hall debut as part of the Winners Recital—an unforgettable experience. My sincere thanks to the Foundation for this remarkable opportunity and for their continued commitment to supporting young artists.

Giorgi Guliashvili, tenor

It was a sensational recital of gifted young singers…..it was a celebration of the enduring legacy of Gerda Lissner; …. No one need worry about the future of opera.

VOCE DI MECHE

…A lovely way to wrap up a Sunday afternoon! …if what we experienced was any indication, the forecast for opera’s future looks bright indeed.

Forbes on Film & Footlights, Harry Forbes

I am so immensely grateful and honored to have been awarded First Prize in this year’s Gerda Lissner Foundation Lieder Competition. Song has always been a source of joy and inspiration for me, and I feel so grateful to the Foundation for their support of this deeply important art form and for their belief in my artistry.

Erin Wagner, mezzo-soprano