The Gerda Lissner Foundation

06/04/2026

Congratulations again to Sullivan Award winner Anna Thompson! Her award was designated in memory of the Foundation's longtime trustee and executive director Maggie Stearns.

Anna completed her training at Academy of Vocal Arts where her roles included the Countess in Capriccio and Countess Almaviva in Le nozze di Figaro. She earned music degrees from Rice University and the Eastman School of Music.

This fall Anna will enter The Metropolitan Opera's Lindemann Young Artist Development Program. She was in Opera Theatre of Saint Louis's Gerdine Young Artist Program in 2025 and the Santa Fe Opera's Apprentice Program in 2024. Prior to that, she was a Studio Artist with Aspen Music Festival and School and an Emerging Artist with Seagle Festival.

Anna's recognition includes awards from The Gerda Lissner Foundation and The George and Nora London Foundation and being selected as 2026 Grand Finals Winner at The Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition.

06/01/2026

Applications are now OPEN for the 2026 Gerda Lissner Art Song Competition! 🎶

The Foundation is pleased to announce increased prize money for the competition: Up to two top prizes of $12,000 will be awarded, and all finalists will receive a $2,000 grant.

Presented in association with The Liederkranz Foundation, this competition offers vocal artists the opportunity to showcase their artistry, compete for prizes, and perform on one of the world’s most prestigious stages.

Top Prize Winners will perform at our Winners Concert at Zankel Hall at Carnegie Hall on April 29, 2027!

Important Dates:

• Application Deadline: August 11, 2026 at 3:00 PM EST
• Preliminary Round: October 13–15, 2026
• Final Round: October 16, 2026

We invite you to apply and share your voice with us! Apply today today at https://gerdalissner.org/2026-art-song-competition-rules/

Pictured: 2025 Art Song Competition Winner

05/29/2026

We are pleased to share the inaugural edition of our newsletter, Lissner Notes, out now!

Inside, you'll find highlights from our 2025–2026 season, including:
• A recap of our Annual Winners Concert at Carnegie Hall featuring 2026 Honoree Stephanie Blythe
• Updates on our Greene Space Recital Series and community programs
• A look ahead at our 2026–2027 season
• And much more!

Thank you to our artists, judges, supporters, partners, and music lovers who make our mission possible. We invite you to explore the newsletter and celebrate another extraordinary season of supporting the next generation of vocal artists.

• To read this edition, please visit this link and download the newsletter PDF: https://gerdalissner.org/newsletter/

• To have future editions sent directly to your inbox, subscribe here! https://gerdalissner.org/contact/

05/26/2026

We are proud to celebrate Gerda Lissner Foundation honoree and prize winner Anthony Roth Costanzo on his recent The New York Times feature highlighting his work with Opera Philadelphia!

Anthony has long exemplified what it means to be an artist and advocate, using his platform not only to inspire audiences, but to reimagine how opera can connect with communities and future generations. His commitment to keeping this art form accessible and alive is a reminder of opera’s enduring impact.

Congratulations Anthony, and thank you for your continued dedication to shaping the future of opera!

Anthony Roth Costanzo took over Opera Philadelphia when it was “three weeks away from stopping payroll.” Now, it is rebounding with a surplus.

05/04/2026

05/04/2026

An evening to remember! ✨Thank you to all who joined us last week at for an unforgettable night celebrating our 2025/2026 Competition Winners!

📸 Don Pollard

05/01/2026

Grateful for two thoughtful reviews of our April 29 concert at Zankel Hall — from Voce di Meche and Oberon’s Glade. A beautiful night for our artists and our audience!

VOCE DI MECHE
http://www.vocedimeche.reviews/2026/04/gerda-lissner-competition.html

OBERON’S GLADE

https://oberonsglade.blog/2026/04/30/gerda-lissner-foundation-winners-concert-2026/

04/27/2026

This year, we celebrate a true force in opera.

We’re thrilled to honor at our 2026 Winners Concert this Wednesday the incredible Stephanie Blythe, whose artistry has left an indelible mark on the world of opera.

A celebrated presence on the world’s leading opera stages, Ms.Blythe is renowned for her commanding mezzo-soprano, dramatic depth, and unforgettable interpretations of roles by
composers from Handel to Wagner. A champion of both traditional repertoire and contemporary works, she has also become a mentor and advocate for the next generation of singers.

Join us for an unforgettable evening at ’s Zankel Hall!

📅 April 29 | 6:30 PM
🎟 For complimentary tickets, please email us at [email protected] or call at. 212.826.6100. Tickets may also be purchased at carnegiehall.org

04/23/2026

The poster is up and the stage is nearly set! Join us this Wednesday, April 29 at 6:30 pm at for our 2026 Winners Concert, honoring Stephanie Blythe. We’ll save you a seat 😉

Limited complimentary tickets are still available, please email or call us: [email protected] | 212.826.6100

$15 tickets are available directly through Carnegie Hall.
carnegiehall.org | 212.247.7800

04/22/2026

At the heart of every great vocal performance is an exceptional pianist. 🎹

On April 29, our Winners Concert welcomes an extraordinary roster of collaborative artists: acclaimed pianist Warren Jones, joining the incomparable Stephanie Blythe, alongside
distinguished pianists and .barfoed. Together, they’ll bring this year’s rising vocal stars to life on stage at ’s Zankel Hall!

📍 April 29, 2026 | 6:30 PM
🎟 For complimentary tickets, please email us at [email protected] or call at 212.826.6100. Tickets may also be purchased at carnegiehall.org