Schmidt Vocal Arts (SVA) has announced the winners of its fifth annual Undergraduate Awards.

“We’re delighted to have expanded our programming to include the Schmidt Vocal Competition Undergraduate Awards,” said SVA’s Executive Director Linda McAlister per an original press release. “After our first offering in 2021, we realized that there is a demand for undergraduate programming. It really is an honor to reach this next generation of young singers and help support them as they pursue careers in music at the collegiate level and beyond.”

In the Upper Division, the winners are Bass-Baritone Jamie Felix-Toll from Oberlin Conservatory, Bass-Baritone Christopher Gray from the University of North Texas, Countertenor Samuel Higgins from Curtis Institute of Music, and Tenor Rudy Polk from the University of North Texas.

The finalists are Soprano Lauren Albano from the University of Cincinnati (CCM), Soprano Saige Hoffman from Oberlin Conservatory, Mezzo-Soprano Lauren Maho from Virginia Commonwealth University, Soprano Natalie Monell from the University of Kentucky, Soprano Penelope Teague from Abilene Christian University, Soprano Georgia Thomas from Furman University, and Soprano Dejah Watts from the University of Kentucky.

Encouragement awards were given to Mezzo-Soprano Emily Amesquita from Northwestern University, Soprano Sarah Butler from The Juilliard School, and Mezzo-Soprano Giuliana Leto from The Juilliard School.

In the Lower Division, the winners are Bass-Baritone Detola Badmus from The Juilliard School, Tenor Brett Hunter from the College of Charleston, Bass Owen Kilgore from The Juilliard School, and Soprano Dalila Lugo from The Juilliard School.

The finalists are Mezzo-Soprano Madeleine Christopher from Eastman School of Music, Mezzo-Soprano Rox Davidson from Belmont University, Soprano Olivia Gonzales from Rice University, Soprano Ashley Manocchi from Manhattan School of Music, Soprano Fiorela Miria from The Juilliard School, and Soprano Sara Porjosh from Carnegie Mellon University.

Encouragement awards were given to Soprano Kimberly Alexandra Adam from The Juilliard School, Baritone Michael Banda from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Mezzo-Soprano Elena Bryan from the University of Houston, and Soprano Kaia Owens from Eastman School of Music.

Winners ultimately took home prizes of $,5000 each and finalists received $700 each. Finally, Encouragement Award winners got $350 each.