And now, there are seven.
Houston Grand Opera has announced the finalists for the 2025 Concert of Arias, marking the 37th edition of the Annual Eleanor McCollum Competition for Young Singers.
The finalists are:
These talented artists will perform in front of a distinguished jury that includes guest judge Michael Heaston, Deputy General Manager of the Metropolitan Opera and former Music Director of the Butler Studio; Khori Dastoor, General Director and CEO of HGO; and Patrick Summers, HGO Artistic and Music Director.
As in previous years, soprano Ana María Martínez will present her Encouragement Award, which includes a $2,000 cash prize, to one of the participants.
Khori Dastoor remarked, “Identifying and supporting the most promising voices in opera, both locally and internationally, is crucial to our mission. This year, we’ve expanded the competition, and I’m excited to share that the 20 semi-finalists represented six countries—showing a wonderful reflection of Houston’s global community. The seven finalists are an exceptional group, and it will be a thrill to hear their beautiful voices, accompanied by the HGO Orchestra.”
The winner of the competition will receive a $25,000 cash prize, with second place earning $15,000, and third place taking home $10,000. The Audience Choice Award offers a $5,000 cash prize, while all remaining finalists will receive $3,500.
This marks the first time the Concert of Arias will feature the Houston Grand Opera Orchestra.
