
The Gerda Lissner Foundation was established by Mrs. Lissner, a devoted Metropolitan Opera subscriber for 77 years, to give young classical singers the financial support they need to build successful careers. The Foundation believes that nurturing emerging artists is essential to the future of classical music.
Each spring, top winners of the Foundation’s annual vocal competitions take the stage at Zankel Hall at Carnegie Hall in the Winners Concert. Many past winners, including Nadine Sierra, Sasha Cooke, Jamie Barton, Anthony Roth Costanzo, and Ryan Speedo Green, now perform at leading opera houses worldwide. The Foundation also presents conservatory students from across the country in Lissner Recitals at New York Public Radio’s Greene Space, with companion broadcasts on WQXR’s Young Artists Showcase.