March 23, 2023

Shan Hai (PS ’23, MM ’22, BM ’20) and Nan Wang (MM ’22, PS ’23) both win first prize, and Alexandra Olsson Andersen (MM ’23) places third in the 2023 Alan M. and Joan Taub Ades Vocal Competition.

Each year, the competition showcases five to eight finalists — MSM voice students who exhibit outstanding talent and strong potential for careers in opera.

The first prize winners will receive $12,500 prize money and third is awarded $5,000.

In the photo above, the awards’s co-founder, MSM Trustee Emerita Joan Taub Ades (HonDMA ’14) is surrounded by the three winners, from left to right: MSM Dean of Vocal Arts Carleen Graham, Alexandra Olsson Andersen (MM ’23), Shan Hai (PS ’23, MM ’22, BM ’20), Nan Wang (MM ’22, PS ’23), MSM Executive Vice President and Provost Joyce Griggs, and MSM President James Gandre. 

The distinguished judges for this year’s final competition being held on March 22 are Christopher Cano (PS ’03) Director of the Cafritz Young Artists Program and American Opera Initiative at Washington National Opera; Hei-Kyung Hong world renowned soprano; and Paul Hopper Associate Artistic Administrator at the Metropolitan Opera.

The Alan M. and Joan Taub Ades Vocal Competition is made possible by generous support from Joan Taub Ades and the late Alan M. Ades, longtime friends and benefactors of the school. Mrs. Taub Ades is an MSM trustee emerita.