The Gerda Lissner Foundation has announced the winners of its 2025 Art Song Competition.

First prize, and $10,000, went to baritone Finn Sagal, with soprano Magdalena Kuźma getting Second prize and the corresponding $7,000. Finally, soprano Jennifer Robinson won Third prize and $4,500. Sagal, Kuźma, and Robinson will be featured in the Winners Concert on April 29, 2026, at Zankel Hall at Carnegie Hall, presented in association with The Liederkranz Foundation.

Sagal has performed with the Lyric Opera of Chicago, Pasadena Symphony, and the Merola Opera Program in San Francisco. He is also a recipient of the 2025 Sara Tucker Study Grant from the Richard Tucker Music Foundation and a winner of the 2017 Songbook Academy Competition. Kuźma made her mainstage Met Opera debut in 2023 as Giannetta in “L’Elisir d’Amore” and also appeared in “Dead Man Walking,” “The Magic Flute,” and “La Rondine.” Robinson has performed with the Curtis Opera Theatre, the Aspen Music Festival (as a Fleming Artist), and the Chautauqua Institute.

Meanwhile, Judges’ Special Prizes of $2,000 each were awarded to baritone Samuel Kidd and soprano Anna Thompson, while grants of $1,000 were given to soprano Alexandra Rose Hotz, tenor Cole McIlquham, and soprano Angela Yam. Encouragement Awards of $500 each went to tenor Adam Catangui, bass-baritone Lin Fan, soprano Sofia Gotch, mezzo-soprano Anna Kelly, baritone Enes Pektas, and mezzo-soprano Julianna Smith.

Additionally, beginning in 2026, the International Vocal Competition will award up to four top prizes of $12,000 each, with additional $2,000 grants, while the Art Song Competition will maintain prize levels of $10,000, $7,000, and $4,500 for the top three winners, along with further grants and encouragement awards.

“These enhancements underscore the foundation’s commitment to foster the exceptional talent and artistry demonstrated by emerging singers today, creating more pathways for artists to launch sustainable, international careers,” said Michael Fornabaio, Foundation President, per an official press release.

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