Premiere Opera Foundation

✨ Here are the outstanding Virtual Winners of our 2025 Premiere Opera Foundation International Vocal Competition! ✨

We were deeply impressed by the artistry, preparation, and individuality demonstrated by these singers from around the world. While participating virtually via video, their voices and performances resonated strongly with our international jury. Congratulations to our Virtual Prize Winners and Finalists!

🏆 Virtual First Prize – $2,000
Vlada Koieva, Soprano, Ukraine


🏆 Virtual Second Prize – $1,500
Natasha Gesto, Soprano, Australia


🏆 Virtual Third Prize – $1,000
Giorgi Guliashvili, Tenor, Georgia


🏆 Virtual Premiere Grant – $500
Zuhao Chen, Baritone, Chinahao.chen

🏆 Virtual Premiere Grant – $500
Michelle Mariposa, Mezzo-Soprano, Philippines


🏆 Virtual Premiere Grant – $500
Luke Norvell, Tenor, USA


👏🏼 Finalist Honors
Jouelle Roberson, Soprano, USA
Emily Damasco, Soprano, USA
Natalie Corrigan, Mezzo-Soprano, USA
Jamal Al T**i, Baritone, Belarus / Canada
Edmond Rodriguez, Tenor, USA
Minseok David Kang, Bass, South Korea
Ilanna Starr, Mezzo-Soprano, Canada / USA
Fangzhen Wang, Mezzo-Soprano, China
Bronwyn Douglass, Soprano, Australia .douglass.soprano

We are proud to support these exceptional emerging artists and to recognize the global reach of today’s operatic talent. Participation in our Virtual Competition is more than a contest — it is a meaningful point of professional visibility and connection.

Our sincere thanks to our esteemed International Jury for their thoughtful evaluation, and to all of our supporters who continue to make this work possible.

CORE JURY — 2025 Premiere Opera Foundation
International Vocal Competition

Our Core Jury served as the principal adjudicating body of the 2025 Premiere Opera Foundation International Vocal Competition, evaluating all rounds and upholding the artistic standards, professional expectations, and long-term vision of the Foundation. Comprised of leading international casting professionals, artist managers, conductors, and institutional leaders, this panel played a vital role in identifying singers with the artistry, technique, and career readiness to succeed on today’s international stages.

We are deeply grateful to the distinguished members of our 2025 Core Jury for their time, insight, and commitment to the artists who participated this year:

• Mattia Campetti — Artist Manager, IMG Artists (Live & Virtual)

• Christian Firmbach — Intendant & Artistic Director, Badisches Staatstheater Karlsruhe (Live & Virtual)

• Dominik Licht — Casting & Artistic Planning, Royal Danish Opera; Salzburg Easter Festival (Live & Virtual)

• Sofia Rukin — Artist Manager, TACT Artists Management (Live & Virtual)

• Eric Margiore — President & Founder, Premiere Opera Foundation (Live & Virtual)

• Megan Weston — General Director & Founder, Athena Music Foundation (Live & Virtual)

• Alan Fischer — Former Chair, Vocal Music & Opera, The Governor’s School for the Arts (Virtual Only)

• Xingwa Hao — Vice President & Vocal Consultant, Premiere Opera Foundation (Virtual Only)

• Chandler Johnson — Director, Apprentice Program for Singers, Santa Fe Opera (Virtual Only)

• Constantine Orbelian — Music Director & Chief Conductor, New York City Opera; Kaunas City Symphony Orchestra; Delos Records (Virtual Only)

Thank you for your dedication, generosity, and leadership in service of the next generation of artists.