CCM Opera and Voice alums reunite at Operalia
This year’s competition, held in Mumbai, brought together three CCM alumni
Story by CCM Graduate Assistant Lucy Evans
Considered by many to be the most prestigious international opera competition, Operalia has helped launch the careers of some of the genre’s brightest stars. Each year, a select number of opera’s most promising young singers are invited from a pool of hundreds of applicants to participate. This year, three CCM alumni were among those selected to compete in Mumbai, India.
Sopranos Brittany Olivia Logan (MM Voice, ‘20) and Teresa Perrotta (MM Voice, ‘19, AD Opera ‘21) and mezzo-soprano Shannon Keegan (BM Voice, ‘19) were among the 32 quarterfinalists. Both Logan and Perrotta advanced to the semi-final round, which was live-streamed on Tuesday, September 17. The three alumni, from the studio of CCM Professor Gwen Coleman, had the opportunity to be heard by a panel made up of some of the most influential figures in the opera world.
From left, Shannon Keegan, Brittany Olivia Logan, and Teresa Perrotta attending the Operalia finals. Photo/Provided.
Held in a different world capitol every year, the 2024 Operalia Competition was the first time the event has been held in a South Asian country. In addition to singing in the high-profile competition, Keegan, Logan and Perrotta reunited to explore the rich culture of India’s largest city. The trio took a tour of Mumbai’s vibrant street food scene, visited historic landmarks in and around the city, and attended the Operalia finals in traditional saris to honor their host country.
This is not the first time CCM alumni have performed on the Operalia stage. Last year, soprano Elena Villalón (BM Voice, ‘19) took home 3rd prize and the Audience Prize in the Cape Town competition. In the 2014 Los Angeles competition, soprano Amanda Woodbury (MM Voice, ‘12) won 2nd prize and countertenor John Holiday (MM Voice, ‘12) was awarded 3rd prize.
Lucy Evans
CCM Graduate Assistant, Marketing + Communications
Lucy Evans is an artist diploma student studying Opera-Vocal Performance at CCM. She is a graduate of Northwestern University’s Bienen School of Music, and has performed as a young artist with the Santa Fe Opera and Opera Theatre of St Louis.
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