An SOM Graduate Student and Alumni Participate in the 2023 Jensen Foundation Vocal Competition

Of the 13 finalists, three stem from the Maryland Opera Studio, including first place winner Lawrence Barasa ’23.

This past week, an SOM graduate student and alumni participated in the prestigious 2023 Jensen Foundation Vocal Competition. The competition recognizes and supports young artists from across the country who are pursuing a career in opera.

Three of the 13 finalists are from the Maryland Opera Studio: current graduate student Lawrence Barasa ’23 and alumni Véronique Filloux M.M. ’18 and Öznur Tülüoğlu M.M. ’21.

On May 14, Barasa was named the first place winner of the competition. For his arias, he performed “Se all'impero amici Dei” from Mozart’s La clemenza di Tito and “Salut! Demeure chaste et pure” from Faust by Gounod. He was awarded $15,000, which he says will facilitate his audition traveling expenses and support voice lessons and coaching that refine his artistry.

Read more about the 2023 Jensen Foundation Vocal Competition on their website.