September 8, 2025
Priscilla Salisbury, a distinguished soprano and alumna of the Butler School of Music at the University of Texas in Austin, was recently honored with the Best Female Singer Award at the 2025 Catholic Music Awards in Rome. Selected from a pool of 1,452 participants representing over 25 countries, Salisbury’s victory was decided by an international panel of 68 judges from the music and pastoral communities.
Upon receiving the award, Salisbury expressed heartfelt gratitude:
“I feel humbled and grateful to be recognized,” she said. “I dedicate the award to my parents, who have supported my passion for music, and to everyone who finds strength and inspiration in sacred song.”
Priscilla Salisbury, after winning her award
Salisbury’s studied at the Butler School of Music with now Emeritus Professor of Voice Darlene Wiley. During her time there, she was actively involved with the Butler Opera Center, performing a wide range of roles, including Zerbinetta in Ariadne auf Naxos, Sister Constance in Dialogues of the Carmelites, Barbarina in Le Nozze di Figaro, and the Dew Fairy in Hansel and Gretel. She also performed with the New Music Ensemble and sang at the 2016 Commencement with the University’s Wind Ensemble.
This latest award is far from her first moment in the spotlight. As a teenager, Salisbury participated in the televised competition Objetivo Fama in Puerto Rico, where she received special recognition from both the Mayor and Governor of Puerto Rico. She has also earned accolades such as the NATS Classical Adult Division Award, the Ugo di Portanova Scholarship, and the Encouragement Award from the Seattle Opera Guild Competition.
Priscilla Salisbury singing Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion from Handel's Messiah
Salisbury’s performance résumé is as broad as it is impressive. She has taken on roles including Zerlina in Don Giovanni, Cupid in Orpheus in the Underworld, Carmela in The Saint of Bleecker Street, Mrs. O’Malley in It’s a Wonderful Life, Cinderella in Cinderella in Spain. Her operatic career has brought her to stages with Houston Grand Opera, Opera in the Heights, Seattle Opera, and Winter Opera St. Louis.
In addition to her stage and television appearances, which include features on Despierta América, Noticias Univision, and the Latin Grammys Lifetime Achievement Award Ceremony, Salisbury has served the Catholic Church for over a decade as a cantor and choir leader.
She has sung at numerous parishes across the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, including the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, St. John Vianney, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Prince of Peace, St. Cecilia, St. Bartholomew, St. Albert of Trapani, and St. Mary’s Seminary. She has also served with the Archdiocese of Seattle, lending her voice to Holy Rosary, St. Jude, Catholic Cemeteries, and the Carmelite Monastery.