And then there were seven.

Houston Grand Opera has revealed the finalists for its Concert of Arias 2025 for the 37th iteration of the Annual Eleanor McCollum Competition for Young Singers.

The finalists include:

• Lauren Carroll, soprano 
• Daria Lupu, soprano 
• Alexis Seminario, soprano 
• Meg Brilleslyper, mezzo-soprano 
• Luke Norvell, tenor 
• Luka Tsevelidze, tenor 
• Geonho Lee, baritone

The finalists will perform for a jury that includes guest judge Michael Heaston, the Deputy General Manager of the Metropolitan Opera and the former Music Director of the Butler Studio; Khori Dastoor, HGO General Director and CEO; and Patrick Summers, HGO Artistic and Music Director.

As in previous editions, soprano Ana María Martínez will select one artist to receive her Encouragement Award, which comes with a $2,000 cash prize.

“Identifying and supporting the most promising voices in opera, at home and abroad, is vital to our mission. That is why we have expanded this year’s competition,” said Dastoor per an official press release. “I am proud to share that this year’s 20 semi-finalists represented six countries—a wonderful reflection of Houston’s global populace. The seven finalists who remain are an extraordinarily special group. It is going to be such a thrill to hear these stunning voices, accompanied by our own HGO Orchestra.”

The winner walks home with a $25,000 cash prize with second place getting $15,000, and third getting $10,000. There will be a $5,000 cash prize for the Audience Choice Award, and the remaining finalists get to walk home with $3,500.

This is the first edition of the Concert of Arias to feature the Houston Grand Opera Orchestra.

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