The Sherrill Milnes VOICE Program has announced the winner of the 17th annual Opera Idol competition.

The 2023 Opera Idol winner, Seungchan Hong, a South Korean baritone, was awarded this prestigious scholarship. Hong has performed “Gianni Schicchi” at the Canto Vocal Program in Louisville, Kentucky. He is currently pursuing an Artist Diploma at Montclair State University under the study of Karen Driscoll having received his master’s degree in Voice Performance at Manhattan School of Music.

Opera Idol, an interactive Master Class Competition with Sherill Milnes was sponsored by The Tom Lysaught Scholarship Fund. Four singers competed in a Master Class format with Sherrill Milnes for a full scholarship plus airfare to Savannah, Georgia, to attend the Milnes VOICE Studio in August, valued at $5,000.

The 2023 Judges panel selected the winner and in addition to Milnes included James Morris, Howard Watkins and 2023 VOICE Awardee and Renowned Tenor, George Shirley.