May 22, 2025
The Butler Opera International Competition has announced its panel of judges for the 2025 edition, featuring a prestigious lineup of industry leaders and influential figures in the global opera scene. Hosted annually by the Butler School of Music at The University of Texas at Austin, the competition is dedicated to discovering and supporting the world’s most promising emerging vocal talent.
Director of the Sarah and Ernest Butler Houston Grand Opera Studio Colin Michael Brush.
Colin Michael Brush is the Director of the Sarah and Ernest Butler Houston Grand Opera Studio. Known for his deep commitment to artist development, Brush previously served in a leadership role at Washington National Opera in Washington, D.C., where he helped shape the careers of young opera professionals.
Associate Director of Artistic Administration and Curator of Hispanic and Latinx Programming at Austin Opera Claudia Chapa
Claudia Chapa is an award-winning mezzo-soprano, arts advocate, and cultural curator. She currently serves as Associate Director of Artistic Administration and Curator of Hispanic and Latinx Programming at Austin Opera. Her performing career spans major roles with companies including Dallas Opera, San Diego Opera, and Virginia Opera.
Senior Director of Artistic Planning at LA Opera Paul Hopper
Paul Hopper is the Senior Director of Artistic Planning at LA Opera, where he oversees all casting and leads the Domingo-Colburn-Stein Young Artist Program. With prior experience at both the Metropolitan Opera and Houston Grand Opera, Hopper is recognized for his artistic vision and strategic leadership in talent development.
Chief Artistic Advisor at Santa Fe Opera, David Lomeli
David Lomelí brings a global perspective as Chief Artistic Advisor at Santa Fe Opera and consultant for several major opera houses, including Bayerische Staatsoper, The Dallas Opera, and Atlanta Opera. A former winner of the prestigious Operalia competition, Lomelí transitioned from an acclaimed singing career to become a sought-after artistic leader in classical music.
Director of the Butler Opera Center and the Butler Opera International Competition Tamar Sanikidze
Tamar Sanikidze is the Sarah and Ernest Butler Endowed Professor in Opera at UT Austin and serves as Director of the Butler Opera Center and the Butler Opera International Competition. She is a highly respected coach and educator, with regular collaborations at top young artist programs including Merola Opera Program, Wolf Trap Opera, and Los Angeles Opera.
Executive Director of the Metropolitan Opera’s Lindemann Young Artist Development Program and the Laffont Competition Melissa Wegner
Melissa Wegner is the Executive Director of the Metropolitan Opera’s Lindemann Young Artist Development Program and the Laffont Competition. Renowned for her discerning eye for talent, she has served as a judge for major international competitions including the Belvedere Competition and numerous U.S.-based vocal contests.
This distinguished panel will evaluate participants through a multi-round process beginning with video submissions. From these, 24 semifinalists will be selected and invited to Austin for live auditions. Ultimately, up to ten finalists will compete in a public concert for over $35,000 in prizes.
With its exceptional judges and commitment to artistic excellence, the 2025 Butler Opera International Competition reaffirms its role as a vital platform for launching the next generation of operatic stars.