I wasn’t able to attend the Irene Dalis Vocal Competition this year, but I just read the news:

First Place: Cecilia Violetta López, soprano

Second Place: Robert Watson, tenor

Third Place: Nicole Birkland, mezzo-soprano

Audience Favorite: Cecilia Violetta López, soprano

Both Cecilia and Nicole are (were?) members of Opera San José’s Artist in Residence program. They are amazing musicians and it is just wonderful that they were recognized today. I don’t know Robert Watson, but I’m sure he is equally deserving. I really wish I could have heard them.