The 2026 Zenith Opera Competition has announced its winners following its final round on May 19, 2026 in Vienna.

Russian baritone Ilya Sulchik claimed First Prize, while American-Hungarian mezzo-soprano Shannon Keegan was awarded Second Prize. Third Prize went to American mezzo-soprano Ruby Dibble, who also received the inaugural Samantha Hankey Nova Award, presented personally by the celebrated mezzo-soprano herself.

The competition’s jury featured Matthew Broom of English National Opera, Michael Barobeck of Oper Graz, Xenia Hofmann of Zurich Opera, Veronique Walter, co-casting director and director of an opera studio, and Carolin Wielpütz, Director of Artistic Administration at Musik Theater an der Wien.

The Zenith Opera Competition has established itself as one of the field’s notable showcases for young singers, drawing competitors from across the globe and connecting them with key figures in the professional opera world.