The awards include third place in the Opera Performance category (17 national finalists) for the USD Opera and honorable mention in the Opera Direction category (15 national finalists) for Tracelyn Gesteland, DMA, professor of voice/opera and the Walter A. and Lucy Yoshioka Buhler Endowed Chair, stage and music director.

"This recognition from The American Prize is a meaningful affirmation of the extraordinary work our opera students are doing. Earning third prize in Opera Performance reflects their artistry, dedication, and collaborative spirit, and I am deeply honored to receive an Honorable Mention for Opera Direction alongside them."

“Notes on Viardot,” based on an idea by Gesteland, who also produced the production, focuses on the intriguing life of opera diva Pauline Viardot. Viardot was an internationally famed singer, highly respective voice teacher, exemplary pianist and gifted composer who came from a prominent, high-powered musical family living in Paris, France, in the 19th century.

Gesteland worked closely with Michael Ching, composer, conductor and music administrator, to premiere the work in April 2024. The production was previously awarded first place in their division of the Collegiate Production Competition, sponsored by the National Opera Association.

About The American Prize

The American Prize is a national series of competitions recognizing excellence in American performing arts. The American Prize is unique in scope and structure, designed to recognize and reward the best performing artists, directors, ensembles and composers in the United States at professional, college/university, community and high school levels, based on submitted recordings. Now in its fifteenth year, The American Prize was founded in 2010 and is awarded annually.

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