August 15, 2025
The world of opera will be watching Austin, Texas, this fall, as 24 of the most promising young vocalists from around the globe prepare to descend on the Butler School of Music for the 2025 Butler Opera International Competition.
Earlier today, the Butler Opera Center announced the semi-finalists for its 2025 International Competition, a prestigious platform known for spotlighting the next generation of opera greats. Drawn from a pool of exceptionally talented applicants, these singers represent the future of opera. Each of the 24 will compete for over $30,000 in prizes.
On September 30, the semi-finalists will take the stage in Bates Recital Hall on The University of Texas at Austin’s campus, performing for a live audience and panel of esteemed judges. From there, just ten will be chosen to advance to the final round on October 1.
This year’s semi-finalists include a thrilling mix of voice types and artistic backgrounds:
- Jiayi George Baolin, bass
- Tzvi Bat Asherah, bass baritone
- Kristin Bilodeau, soprano
- Evan Brown, tenor
- Ashlyn Brown, mezzo soprano
- Katerina Burton, soprano
- Alec Carlson, tenor
- Xijin Chen, soprano
- Blake Denson, bass baritone
- Michael Deshield, tenor
- Julia Ernst, soprano
- Gretchen Krupp, mezzo soprano
- Qirong Liang, mezzo soprano
- Chuanyuan Liu, countertenor
- Daniela Machado, soprano
- Aubrey Odle, mezzo soprano
- Ruoxi Peng, soprano
- Luna Seongeun Park, soprano
- Micah Perry, tenor
- Daniel Rich, bass-baritone
- Jouelle Roberson, soprano
- Cameron Rolling, bass
- Alexis Seminario, soprano
- Gabrielle Turgeon, soprano
The public is invited to witness this unforgettable showcase of talent. With both rounds open to audiences, the competition offers a rare chance to hear tomorrow’s opera stars before they take the world’s biggest stages.
Semifinals will be free to attend, and more information can be found here.
Tickets for the finals are now available and can be purchased here.
Both events will be live-streamed.