San Francisco Opera has announced Karen Chia-ling Ho as the winner of the 2024–25 Season Jan Shrem and Maria Manetti Shrem Emerging Stars Competition.

The Taiwanese soprano, who made her house debut creating the role of Princess Jia in the world premiere of Bright Sheng and David Henry Hwang’s “Dream of the Red Chamber,” was recognized for her role debut as Mimì in Giacomo Puccini’s “La Bohème.”

The prize was determined by a popular vote and comes with a prize of $10,000.

Chia-ling Ho was one of 11 artists appearing in San Francisco Opera’s 2024–25 Season with support from the Jan Shrem and Maria Manetti Shrem Emerging Stars Fund and nominated for the competition.

I a statement the soprano said, “I’m beyond overjoyed and truly humbled to be named this year’s Emerging Star! My deepest thanks to everyone who voted for me—your support means the world. I will forever treasure my Mimì debut here with San Francisco Opera—not only because of the unforgettable production and this extraordinary company, but also because of the trust and immense support I’ve been so lucky to receive.”

Maria Manetti Shrem added, “I am thrilled that Karen Chia-ling Ho is the 2025 recipient of the Manetti Shrem Emerging Stars Award. I am grateful that San Francisco Opera continues to recognize young talent and provide them with opportunities—like this competition, where audiences can vote for their favorite emerging artists. As philanthropist, I am delighted to support these gifted performers on their journey toward greater achievements. Karen, whose debut as Mimì is especially meaningful to me—La Bohème was the first opera I fell in love with at 15 in Florence—has such a captivating presence and a marvelous timbre. I wish her the very best for a long and distinguished career.”

Chia-ling Ho made her San Francisco Opera debut as Princess Jia in the 2016 world premiere of Bright Sheng and David Henry Hwang’s “Dream of the Red Chamber” and has also performed with the Florentine Opera, Vancouver Opera, and Metropolitan Opera.

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