The Donald W. Wood Sr. Vocal Competition

05/02/2024

https://neworleansopera.org/wood-competition-grant/

Created by New Orleans Opera board member Debby Hirsch Wood in honor of her late husband, Donald W. Wood Sr., the Wood family has granted funding for the competition to continue in perpetuity in his name.

04/28/2024

Congratulations to the Spring WOOD OPERATIC ADVANCEMENT GRANT WINNER HENRY HERBERT!

New Orleans native Henry Herbert, bass-baritone, is a second-year Bienen School of Music student at
Northwestern University, pursuing a Bachelor of Music in voice and opera performance. He studies under
the tutelage of mezzo-soprano and noted vocal pedagogue Theresa Brancaccio. At Northwestern,
Herbert is an active performer with OPUS (Opera Projects for Undergraduate Students), Bienen’s
undergraduate-produced-and-cast opera company, and a board member. With OPUS, Herbert has
performed in Massenet’s Cendrillon (Le Roi), Barbieri’s El Barberillo de Lavapiés Barbieri (Don Pedro),
and Bernstein’s Candide (chorus). With the Northwestern Opera Theater, Herbert has sung in the chorus
of Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte, Handel’s Alcina, and, this spring, Mozart’s Così fan tutte. Herbert is also an
alum of the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts, where he received a Certificate of Artistry in voice
under the instruction of Phyllis Treigle, soprano, Mark-Anthony Thomas, tenor.
Herbert was a 2nd Place finalist in the Donald W. Wood Sr. Vocal Competition in 2020.

04/06/2024

03/15/2024

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/kQfkxZKkuTVwpYXC/?mibextid=4UDYQr

01/08/2024

Robert Lyall will be missed.
RIP Maestro. 🙏🏻🙏🏻

The New Orleans Opera board of directors and staff are saddened to share the passing of General and Artistic Director Emeritus Robert Lyall, on January 5, 2024. With courage, grace and a sense of humor, Maestro Lyall had bravely battled cancer since April 2023, as well as resulting complications in....

12/04/2023

Do you want to hear the winners of the 2023 Donald W. Wood Sr. Vocal Competition? GO TO: Also find the winner of the Wood Operatic Advancement Grant Andrew Aceves!

https://neworleansopera.org/congratulations-wood-vocal-competition-winners/

12/04/2023

Congratulations to the 2023 Winners!!!

Elijah Strain
First Place
New Orleans Center for the Creative Arts, Senior
Teacher: Sarah Jane McMahon

Christopher-Lawson Palmer
Second Place
New Orleans Center for the Creative Arts, Junior
Teacher: Mark-Anthony Thomas

Malia Suggs
Third Place
New Orleans Center for the Creative Arts, Sophomore
Teacher: Phyllis Treigle

Sierra Sloss
Honorable Mention
New Orleans Center for the Creative Arts, Junior
Teacher: Phyllis Treigle

Andrew Aceves
Wood Operatic Advancement Grant Recipient
Louisiana State University
Bachelor of Music, Vocal Performance and Church Music

11/18/2023

Information from Dr. Tara Melvin, Director of Community Partnerships and Education with the New Orleans Opera Association regarding the announcement of the Wood Competition winners:

The New Orleans Opera is delighted to invite all entrants to the Donald W. Wood, Sr. Vocal Competition and Wood Operatic Advancement Grant to attend soprano Lisette Oropesa’s upcoming concert titled Lisette! This performance promises to be an evening filled with inspiration.

Event Details: Lisette!
Date: December 1, 2023
Time: 7:30 PM
Venue: Mahalia Jackson Theater
Address: 1419 Basin St., New Orleans

As a participant in our vocal competition, we recognize and value your commitment to musical artistry. Lisette Oropesa’s recital presents a remarkable opportunity for young artists to witness a world-class performer’s grace, skill, and artistry. Her unparalleled talent and captivating stage presence make this an event not to be missed. You will have the chance to witness her mastery firsthand and gain invaluable insights into the nuances of vocal performance.

We would like to make this experience even more special for the competition applicants. Ms. Oropesa has graciously offered to announce the winners from the stage. The winners will not be brought to the stage but will be acknowledged by her. We will also post the winners on the New Orleans Opera/Wood Competition pages by Monday, December 4.

In addition to the free ticket for each entrant to the Wood competition, we would also like to extend a 25% discount to the entrants’ family, friends, and teachers. We also have $10 student tickets for all other students who would like to attend. Please call the N.O.O.A. box office at (504) 529 – 3000 by Wednesday, November 28. We’d be happy to take care of your ticket order.

We encourage you to take advantage of this unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty of her performance. Seats for this extraordinary event are limited, so we recommend securing your tickets promptly.
Warm regards,
Dr. Melvin

11/01/2023

SUBMISSION FOR THE WOOD COMPETITION IS November 6, 2023. Check out the www.Neworleansopera.org for info.
https://neworleansopera.org/submission-information-and-requirements/

Repertoire Requirements  Three song selections:  Submission Requirements  Judging Criteria   Recording Tips  How to Submit 

12/10/2022

Next up after these 10 best sopranos of all time: Winners of the Donald W. Wood Sr. Vocal Competition.

Who are the best sopranos of all time? Read and listen to our top 10 sopranos guide featuring old-school divas and today’s superstars.

10/17/2022

CONGRATULATIONS FIRST PLACE WINNER OF THE DONALD W. WOOD SR. VOCAL COMPETITION:
Prize: $1,000: JENNIFER ZUCKERMAN, Senior at Lakeshore High School (Mandeville, LA), Teacher: Dr. Alissa Rowe
“Deh vieni non tardar” from Le Nozze di Figaro by W. A. Mozart

New Orleans Opera Association Donald W. Wood, Sr. Competition Fall 2022

10/17/2022

CONGRATULATIONS TO SECOND PLACE OF THE DONALD W. WOOD SR. VOCAL COMPETITION - Prize $600: CHANTEL COLLINS, Senior at New Orleans Center for the Creative Arts | Teacher: Phyllis Treigle
Bewilderment by Florence Price

10/17/2022

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE THIRD-PLACE WINNER (There were two tied for third) OF THE DONALD W. WOOD SR. VOCAL COMPETITION. Prize: $400: AUBREY SMITH, Junior at New Orleans Center for the Creative Arts | Teacher: Phyllis Treigle
Lied der Mignon by Franz Schubert
https://youtu.be/g_z3bPDr9C

10/17/2022

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE THIRD-PLACE WINNER (There were two tied for third) OF THE DONALD W. WOOD SR. VOCAL COMPETITION: KALLAN BUTLER, Prize: $400, Junior at New Orleans Center for the Creative Arts | Teacher: Phyllis Treigle
“O del mio dolce ardor” by C. W. Gluck

10/17/2022

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE Fall 2023 WOOD OPERATIC ADVANCEMENT GRANT RECIPIENTS:

• Kieva Banks, Junior | Loyola University of New Orleans
Honorable Mention, 2019 – 2020 Competition

• Brendan Jones, Senior | Devillier Educational Center, Opelousas
2nd Place, 2021 – 2022 Competition

• Sophia Lucurto, Freshman | Loyola University of New Orleans
1st Place, 2021 – 2022 Competition

10/17/2022

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2022-2023 Wood Competition Winners and Wood Operatic Advancement Grant!

Kieva Banks, Junior, Loyola University of New Orleans, Honorable Mention, 2019 – 2020 Competition. Brendan Jones, Senior, Devillier Educational Center, Opelousas, 2nd Place, 2021 – 2022 Competition. Sophia Lucurto, Freshman,… Continue reading And The Winners Are…

03/11/2022

Congratulations to Julia Ernst for winning the Spring Wood Operatic Advancement Grant!!!
https://neworleansopera.org/wood-operatic-grant-winner-for-spring-2022/

Debby Hirsch Wood and New Orleans Opera announce the recipient of the Spring 2022 Wood Operatic Advancement Grant. Congratulations to Julia Ernst! Mezzo-soprano Julia Anne Ernst is a sophomore studying Vocal Performance under Irini Kyriakidou at the Loyola University of New Orleans. The Wood Operati...

12/22/2021

In the news our Wood Competition First Place Winner, Sophia Lucurto. Congratulations!!!

11/23/2021

https://neworleansopera.org/donald-w-wood-sr-vocal-competition-21-22/

AND the winners are… 1st Place: Sophia Lucurto, Senior from Chalmette High School. Annelise Cassar Tedesco, teacher. 2nd Place: Brendan Jones, Senior from Devillier Educational Center. Corliss Smith, teacher. 3rd Place: Aubrey Smith, Sophomore from New Orleans Center for the Creative Arts. Phyllis...

11/23/2021

2021-2022 WINNERS OF THE DONALD W. WOOD Sr. VOCAL COMPETITION and WOOD OPERATIC ADVANCEMENT GRANT

WOOD ADVANCEMENT GRANT FOR FALL 2021:
AWARDED $1,500
MADELEINE CUCULLU,
Wood Competition Placement and Year: Honorable Mention 2017
College: SUNY Purchase College
Classification: Junior

FIRST PLACE AWARDED $1,000
#1621
Sophia Lucurto
Chalmette High School, Senior
Teacher: Annelise Cassar Tedesco
https://youtu.be/QP_PYY2YGds

SECOND PLACE - awarded $600
#1421
Brendan Jones, Senior
Devillier Educational Center
Teacher: Corliss Smith

THIRD PLACE - awarded $400
#2321
Aubrey Smith
New Orleans Center for the Creative Arts, Sophomore
Teacher: Phyllis Treigle

HONORABLE MENTION
#1221
Henry Herbert, Senior
New Orleans Center for the Creative Arts
Teacher: Phyllis Treigle

NOTABLE AT THE COMPETITION:
#2821
Jennifer Zuckerman, Junior
Lakeshore High School
Teacher: Dr. Alissa Rowe

#2421
Elijah Strain, Sophomore
New Orleans Center for the Creative Arts
Teacher: Sarah Jane McMahon

#221
Brooklyn Burt, Senior
New Orleans Center for the Creative Arts
Teacher: Phyllis Treigle

#1821
Marcus Monistere, Junior
New Orleans Center for the Creative Arts
Teacher: Phyllis Treigle

#521
Chantel Collins, Junior
New Orleans Center of the Creative Arts
Teacher: Phyllis Treigle

#2021
Kolbe Peters
Brother Martin High School, Junior
Teacher: Dreux Montegut

11/23/2021

https://neworleansopera.org/donald-w-wood-sr-vocal-competition-21-22/

Here are the winners! Congratulations!

AND the winners are… 1st Place: Sophia Lucurto, Senior from Chalmette High School. Annelise Cassar Tedesco, teacher. 2nd Place: Brendan Jones, Senior from Devillier Educational Center. Corliss Smith, teacher. 3rd Place: Aubrey Smith, Sophomore from New Orleans Center for the Creative Arts. Phyllis...

11/12/2021

Here's are the students competing in the 2021-2022, Donald W. Wood Sr. Vocal Competition. Congratulations on competing!!! You are awesome!!

Abigail Bix, Senior, Lusher Charter School, New Orleans, Louisiana; Teacher: Beth Rota

Brooklyn Burt, Senior, New Orleans Center for Creative Arts, New Orleans, Louisiana; Teacher: Phyllis Treigle

Kallan Butler, Sophomore, New Orleans Center for Creative Arts, New Orleans, Louisiana; Teacher: Phyllis Treigle

Brad Chavis, Senior, Magnet Academy for Cultural Arts, Opelousas, Louisiana; Teacher: Corliss Smith

Chantel Collins, Junior, New Orleans Center for Creative Arts, New Orleans, Louisiana; Teacher: Phyllis Treigle

Cecile Curran, Senior, Academy of Sacred Heart, New Orleans, Louisiana; Teacher: Betsy Uschkrat

Darion Dewhirst, Senior, Chalmette High School, Chalmette, Louisiana; Teacher: Kristen Marchiafava

Mia DiGiovanni, Senior, St. Mary’s Dominican High School, New Orleans, Louisiana; Teacher: Meagan Dearie

Drucilla Dumas, Sophomore, New Orleans Center for Creative Arts, New Orleans, Louisiana; Teacher: Phyllis Treigle

Jala Dumas-Mwendo, Junior, Lusher Charter School, New Orleans, Louisiana; Teacher: Beth Rota

Breana Enos, Senior, Chalmette High School, Chalmette, Louisiana; Teacher Annelise Cassar Tedesco

Ella Gottchalk, Junior, Lusher Charter School, New Orleans, Louisiana; Teacher: Beth Rota

Henry Hebert, Senior, New Orleans Center for Creative Arts, New Orleans, Louisiana; Teacher: Phyllis Treigle

Ashlyn Hughes, Sophomore, New Orleans Center for Creative Arts, New Orleans, Louisiana; Teacher: Phyllis Treigle

Brendan Jones, Senior, Devillier Educational Center, Opelousas, Louisiana; Teacher: Corliss Smith

Corinna Leaf, Senior, Lusher Charter School, New Orleans, Louisiana; Teacher: Beth Rota

Sophia Lucurto, Senior, Chalmette High School, Chalmette, Louisiana; Teacher: Annelise Cassar Tedesco

Muse Macchione, Sophomore, New Orleans Center for Creative Arts, New Orleans, Louisiana; Teacher: Phyllis Treigle

Marcus Monistere, Junior, New Orleans Center for Creative Arts, New Orleans, Louisiana; Teacher: Phyllis Treigle

Emma Navarro, Senior, New Orleans Center for Creative Arts, New Orleans, Louisiana; Teacher: Phyllis Treigle

Sophia Parigi, Junior, Thomas Jefferson Academy for Advanced Studies, Gretna, Louisiana; Teacher: Kameron Lopreore

Kolbe Peters, Junior, Brother Martin High School, New Orleans, Louisiana; Teacher: Dreux Montegut

Grace Romano, Senior, Lakeshore High School, Mandeville, Louisiana; Teacher Alissa Rowe

Alexis Saizan, Senior, Chalmette High School, Chalmette, Louisiana; Teacher: Annelise Cassar Tedesco

Aubrey Smith, Sophomore, New Orleans Center for Creative Arts, New Orleans, Louisiana; Teacher: Phyllis Treigle

Elijah Strain, Sophomore, New Orleans Center for Creative Arts, New Orleans, Louisiana; Teacher: Sarah Jane McMahon Briscoe

Elise Strain, Senior, Fontainebleau High School, Mandeville, Louisiana, Teacher: Sarah Jane McMahon Briscoe

Felicity White, Junior, New Orleans Center for Creative Arts, New Orleans, Louisiana; Teacher: Kristen Marchiafava

Abigail Williams, Senior, St. Scholastica Academy, Covington, Louisiana; Teacher Allison Kenning

Jennifer Zuckerman, Junior, Lakeshore High School, Mandeville, Louisiana; Teacher: Alissa Rowe

1 Academy of Sacred Heart, New Orleans
1 Brother Martin High School, New Orleans
4 Chalmette High School, Chalmette
1 Devillier Educational Center, Opelousas
1 Fontainebleau High School, Mandeville
2 Lakeshore High School, Mandeville
4 Lusher Charter School, New Orleans
1 Magnet Academy for Cultural Arts, New Orleans
12 New Center for Creative Arts, New Orleans
1 St. Scholastica Academy, Covington
1 St. Mary’s Dominican High School, New Orleans
1 Thomas Jefferson Academy for Advanced Studies, Gretna

30 in total

16 Seniors
8 Juniors
6 Sophomores

11/10/2021

11/10/2021

Happy Heavenly Birthday Donald W. Wood! You are greatly missed by all. You would have loved hearing all the beautiful voices sing for the Wood Competition.
🎂🎂🎂

11/03/2021

Wood Competition and Grant submission deadline: November 8, 2021

Announcement of winners: November 24, 2021

10/15/2021

New Orleans Opera Association and its complete team of remarkable staff cultivating amazing and beautiful talent here and abroad. Congratulations ALL!
https://neworleansopera.org/wood-competition-winner-joins-the-lyric-opera-of-chicago/

Wood Competition Winner Joins the Lyric Opera of Chicago Soprano Lindsey Reynolds, 2015 winner of the Donald W. Wood Sr. Vocal Competition was recently accepted into the Lyric Opera of Chicago’s Young Artist Program. Last spring, more than 600 singers applied for consideration with video recording...

05/18/2021

ANNOUNCING THE JUDGES FOR THE 2021-2022 WOOD COMPETITION:

Dennis Jesse, Associate Professor of Voice at Louisiana State University

Sakinah Davis, Assistant Professor of Voice and Director of Opera Workshop at Xavier University

Janice Aiken, Voice Teacher, affiliated with Shreveport Opera and Centenary College

05/14/2021

The Metropolitan Opera's National Council Auditions Grand Finals Concert is this Sunday at 2:00 pm CDT.

Discover a new generation of operatic stars this Sunday, May 16, as ten outstanding young singers—chosen from among 1,200 applicants—compete in the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions Grand Finals Concert, hosted by 2011 National Council winner Ryan Speedo Green. For the first time ever, the event will be streamed live for free from locations around the world. In past years, the National Council Auditions have launched the careers of some of today’s biggest names—Renée Fleming, Susan Graham, Eric Owens, Lawrence Brownlee, Lisette Oropesa, and Nadine Sierra, to name a few. Don’t miss your chance to see who’s next.

2021 FINALISTS
Jongwon Han, 26, bass-baritone (Seoul, South Korea)


Duke Kim, 29, tenor (Seoul, South Korea)


Hyoyoung Kim, 24, soprano (Seoul, South Korea) 
Brittany Olivia Logan, 28, soprano (Garden Grove, CA)


Raven McMillon, 25, soprano (Baltimore, MD) 


Timothy Murray, 29, baritone (Milwaukee, WI) 


Murrella Parton, 30, soprano (Seymour, TN) 


Erica Petrocelli, 28, soprano (East Greenwich, RI)


Emily Sierra, 23, mezzo-soprano (Chicago, IL) 


Emily Treigle, 23, mezzo-soprano (New Orleans, LA)

Registration is required to view the Grand Finals concert. To register, go to:
https://concerts.kiswe.com/metopera/ #/