Washington National Opera has announced the 2025-26 Cafritz Young Artists.

The first-year artists include baritone Chandler Benn, bass-baritone Robert Frazier, soprano Lauren Carroll, tenor Hakeem Henderson, baritone Thandolwethu Mamba, bass Atticus Rego, pianist Deven Shah, and mezzo-soprano Veronica Siebert.

Returning artists include soprano Viviana Goodwin, tenor Nicholas Huff, soprano Anneliese Klenetsky,  pianist Tongyao Li, and mezzo-soprano Michelle Mariposa.

Young Artists will get performance opportunities throughout the year and will also perform in the Washington National Opera’s productions of “The Marriage of Figaro,” “The Crucible, “The Little Prince,” and the American Opera Initiative.

“We’re so pleased to welcome another distinguished class of Cafritz Young Artists, now in its 24th year,” said WNO Artistic Director Francesca Zambello, per an official press release. “These young artists represent the future of opera, not only in great vocal and dramatic talent but in terms of defining where the art form is headed. Throughout the year they will receive training and performing experience, work alongside the many opera professionals who grace the WNO stages, and earn knowledge that will serve them as they embark on successful national and international careers. The Cafritz Young Artists program is designed to think about and push the future of opera. 

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