Gerda Lissner Foundation Announces New Board Leadership With Midge Woolsey Assuming Presidency

The Gerda Lissner Foundation has announced new board leadership. Michael A. Fornabaio, previously President, assumes the role of Treasurer, while Midge Woolsey has been named President while continuing as Co–Artistic Director. Arlene Shrut has been appointed Vice President and remains Co–Artistic Director; and Karl Michaelis, formerly Treasurer, has been named an Honorary Board Member in recognition of his longstanding service. Finally, {…}

Nov 10, 2025

Gerda Lissner Foundation Cancels Jacobs School of Music Recital Featuring Lawrence Brownlee

The Gerda Lissner Foundation has announced the cancelation of a its concert at the Jacobs School of Music. Per an official press release, the company stated that “Due to significant travel disruptions, tonight’s recital with Jacobs School of Music has been canceled. We understand that this news may be disappointing, and we sincerely appreciate your understanding during these unforeseen circumstances.” {…}

Oct 23, 2025

Finn Sagal Wins Gerda Lissner Foundation’s 2025 Art Song Competition

The Gerda Lissner Foundation has announced the winners of its 2025 Art Song Competition. First prize, and $10,000, went to baritone Finn Sagal, with soprano Magdalena Kuźma getting Second prize and the corresponding $7,000. Finally, soprano Jennifer Robinson won Third prize and $4,500. Sagal, Kuźma, and Robinson will be featured in the Winners Concert on April 29, 2026, at Zankel {…}

Sep 25, 2025

Gerda Lissner Foundation Announces 2026 Winners Concert at Carnegie Hall

The Gerda Lissner Foundation has announced the date for its 2026 Winners Concert. The event is set to take place at 6:30 p.m. on April 29, 2026 at Zankel Hall at Carnegie Hall. Midge Woolsey is set to host while Arlene Shrut and Francesco Barfoed will be the collaborative pianists for the finalists. There will also be special guest appearances {…}

Oct 22, 2024

Erin Wagner Wins Top Prize at Gerda Lissner Foundation’s 2024 Lieder / Song Vocal Competition

The Gerda Lissner Foundation has announced that mezzo-soprano Erin Wagner is the first prize winner of the 2024 Lieder / Song Vocal Competition. “I am so immensely grateful and honored to have been awarded First Prize in this year’s Gerda Lissner Foundation Lieder Competition,” said Wagner, a winner of the 2021 Naumburg Foundation Vocal Award, per an official press release. {…}

Apr 9, 2024

Gerda Lissner Foundation Announces ‘An Evening of Lieder / Song, Opera, Operetta, and Zarzuela’

The Gerda Lissner Foundation is set to present a free concert at Carnegie Hall. The showcase, scheduled for May 2, 2024, is entitled “An Evening of Lieder / Song, Opera, Operetta, and Zarzuela.” It kicks off at 6:30 p.m. at Zankel Hall at Carnegie Hall and will feature the top winners from the 2024 International Vocal Competition and the 2023 {…}

Mar 24, 2024

Aryeh Nussbaum Cohen Takes Home Top Prize at Gerda Lissner Foundation’s International Vocal Competition 2024

The Gerda Lissner Foundation has announced the 2024 winners of its International Vocal Competition. In the Opera Division, countertenor Aryeh Nussbaum Cohen took home the top prize, the Liederkranz Foundation Award. The other winners in the division include baritone Yeongtaek Yang (First Prize), mezzo-soprano Maire Therese Carmack (second prize), and soprano Karoline Podolak (third prize). Taking home the Judge’s Special {…}

Oct 14, 2023

Gerda Lissner Foundation Unveils 2023 Lieder / Song Competition Winners

The Gerda Lissner Foundation has announced the winners of its 2023 Lieder / Song Vocal Competition. The first prize went to mezzo-soprano Maire Therese Carmack, who takes home $7,000. In second place was soprano Gemma Nha; she will receive a $5,000 cash prize. Mezzo-soprano Anna Kelly rounded out the top three and will get a $3,000 cash prize. Other grant {…}

Apr 6, 2023

Gerda Lissner Foundation to Showcase Special Concert at Carnegie Hall This May

The Gerda Lissner Foundation is set to present “An Enchanted Lieder / Song, Opera, Operetta, and Zarzuela.” The showcase, which is set for May 1, 2023, will be presented in memory of Scott Barnes, a Trustee of the organization. Performers include Sophia Hunt, Vladysalv Buialskyi, Jazmine Saunders, Korin Thomas-Smith, Shaina Martinez, Joseph Parrish, Alice Chung, and Erik Grendahl. The free {…}