By Crystal Herrera
South Philly Review
At the Settlement Music School on Nov. 10, opera singers from across North America gathered to compete in one of the most prestigious competitions in classical music: the Metropolitan Opera’s Eric and Dominique Laffont Competition. The event provided an open-to-the-public, free glimpse into the future stars of the opera world.
The competition, which has launched the careers of many of today’s opera greats, is known for its rigorous selection process and high stakes, with winners advancing through multiple rounds before potentially performing at the Metropolitan Opera in New York. For the competitors in Philadelphia, this event represented both the next step in their dreams and a milestone for the city’s musical community.
“This is about as high level as it gets for young singers in the field of opera,” said Helen Eaton, Chief Executive Officer at Settlement Music School. Eaton was “absolutely thrilled” that the prestigious competition was held at a community institution like Settlement. “The fact that Settlement school was chosen as the venue this year is just something that is so special for all of us.”
When distinguished opera singer Otholie Graham became the competition’s Philadelphia district chair earlier this year, she did so on the condition that it be held at Settlement. “This is the most storied institution in Philadelphia, and it doesn’t always get the attention that it should be getting,” she said about Settlement.
Graham saw the school, which has nurtured countless musicians — including renowned opera singer Florence Quevar, who performed at the Met Opera — as the ideal venue. For her, its intimate and welcoming atmosphere embodied the supportive environment young competitors need to thrive.
Among the contestants was countertenor Brenden Lengsfeld from Calgary, Canada, who found the experience surprisingly inviting. “It was so much less scary than I could’ve ever anticipated … everybody is so at the top of their game,” he said. “No matter what happens, this is one of my absolute dreams.”
At the end of the day, five winners advanced to the next round: soprano Emilie Kealani, bass Raúl Morales Velazco, bass-baritone Benjamin R. Sokol, bass-baritone Nan Wang and mezzo-soprano Alla Yarosh. Additionally, encouragement awards were given to Katherine Dobbs, mezzo-soprano; Alexa Frankian, soprano; and Daniela Machado, soprano — each recognized for their exceptional promise.
By hosting the 2024 Laffont Competition, the Settlement Music School reinforced its legacy as a cornerstone of Philadelphia’s musical heritage. The event showcased not only the exceptional talent of young opera singers but the city’s commitment to making classical music accessible to all. For some, the chance to perform at this level was a dream come true. As competitors look toward the next rounds in New York, the Settlement School remains integral in connecting the city’s local talent to the world stage.
