In October, PSOA hosted the Patricia Crump Vocal Competition for the first time. Among the competition’s 11 finalists were current graduate students Alexandra Smith and Emily Bergeron and alum Kaisa Herrmann (BFA 2019, Music).
The competition honors Patricia Crump, founder of Supporters of Opera Singers (SOS), and celebrates young singers with strong ties to Wisconsin. According to Assistant Professor Aaron Agulay (Area Head, Voice & Opera), the organization has supported artists including alumni Kathryn Henry (BFA 2016, Music) and Lauren Decker (BFA 2012, Music), as well as new faculty member Alisa Jordheim. Agulay helped bring the competition to UWM.
Alexandra Smith was awarded the Encouragement Award, earning a cash prize and ongoing support from the foundation.