Bass-baritone Tzvi Bat Asherah took first place at the 34th Dallas Opera National Vocal Competition on March 6, 2026, at the Winspear Opera House.

Asherah also received the Jonathan Pell People’s Choice Award, determined by audience vote, for his performance of “Ves tabar spit” from Rachmaninoff’s “Aleko.”

Tenor Nathan Bowles placed second with “Durch die Wälder” from Weber’s “Der Freischütz,” and soprano Anna Thompson took third with “Glück das mir verblieb” from Korngold’s “Die tote Stadt.”

The event was hosted by bass-baritone Christian Van Horn, currently starring in TDO’s production of “Don Carlo.” Emmanuel Villaume conducted the Dallas Opera Orchestra, accompanying all 10 finalists.

A panel of judges chaired by TDO Artistic Consultant David Lomelí selected the winners. The panel included TDO General Director and CEO Ian Derrer, San Francisco Opera Artistic Managing Director Gregory Henkel, Warner Classics & Erato Chairman Emeritus Alain Lanceron, and Wolf Trap Opera Vice President Lee Anne Myslewski.

The finalists were selected from 381 applicants. First place carries a prize of $10,000, with $5,000 for second place, $2,500 for third, and $1,000 for the People’s Choice Award.

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