A Fundraising Five-Octave High-Note Reached at the 38th HGO Concert of Arias

A Fundraising Five-Octave High-Note Reached at the 38th HGO Concert of Arias

For the 38th year, Houston Grand Opera (HGO) has combed the globe to select 18 young opera singers to serve as semi-finalists for its annual Concert of Arias, held at Wortham Theater Center’s Cullen Stage, followed by a seated dinner in the Grand Foyer.

Longtime Opera supporters, Drs. Rachel and Warren A. Ellsworth IV, served as the evening’s Chairs and were thrilled as the event raised over $815,000, setting a fundraising record for the Concert of Arias’ long history.

Last year, for the first time, HGO’s Orchestra accompanied the finalists. They repeated that wonderful experience again this year. Maestro Patrick Summers, who has served as the organization’s Artistic and Music Director, took the podium as conductor. Next season, Maestro Summers will become the Music Director Emeritus.

Seven finalists were chosen to perform in the concert and compete for cash prizes as well as the opportunity to join the prestigious Sarah and Ernest Butler Grand Opera Studio. A panel of respected judges watched each finalist sing two arias from the opera repertoire, highlighting their vocal talent and stage presence. With Houston Public Media’s Ernie Manouse entertaining the online audience as livestream host, the distinguished panel included HGO General Director and CEO Khori Dastoor; Director of Production for the Théâtre des Champs Élysées and Casting Consultant for the Metropolitan Opera and the Festival d’Aix-en-Provence, Julien Benhamou; and Sasha Cooke, who frequently performs with HGO and is currently starring as Hansel in the company’s production of Humperdinck’s Hansel and Gretel.

After much deliberation, the votes were tallied, and the First-Place prize of $25,000 was awarded to Soprano Scarlett Jones. The $15,000 Second Place went to Tenor Misael Caorralejo. The $10,000 Third Place was won by Mezzo-Soprano Lauren Randolph. The audience also had their say, and their Choice Award of $5,000 was given to Soprano Viktoriia Shamanska. Non-placing finalists also received awards of $3,500 each.

To keep the celebration going, a joyful crowd of 470 guests gathered in the Foyer for a lavish seated dinner. What a way to end an evening!

In the Social Scene (not previously mentioned):  Ann and Jonathan Ayre, Donna and Ken Barrow, Michelle Beale and Dick Anderson, Astley Blair and Vivianna Jolie, Jill Schaar and George Caflisch, Janet and John Carrig, Hon. Theresa and Dr. Peter Chang, Anne and Albert Chao, Cheryl and Mike Clancy, Molly and Jim Crownover, Mindy and Josh Davidson, Valerie and Tracy Dieterich, Jeanette and John DiFilippo, Susie and Joe Dilg, Misook Doolitte, Sonja Kostich, Beth Madison, Hon. Frank Marchetti, Stan Marek, Barbara and Pat McCelvey, Laura McWilliams, Hon. Francisco Merino, Denise Monteleone, Cynthia and Tony Petrello, Drs. Liz Grimm and Jack Roth, Ambassador David Satterfield and Elizabeth Fritschle, Hon. Keith Scott, Dian and Harlan Stai, Geraldina and Scott Wise