Dominic Townsend

State University of New York at Fredonia senior Dominic Townsend has won the $10,000 First Prize in Opera Grand Rapids 2026 VanderLaan Voice Competition.

A native of Youngstown, NY, Dominic is currently pursuing a Mus.B. in Vocal Performance under the tutelage of Assistant Professor Don Marrazzo in the School of Music. He is a graduate of Lewiston-Porter High School.

Townsend has performed John Sorel and The Secret Police in Menotti’s “The Consul,” Guglielmo in Mozart’s “Così fan tutte,” and Frank in Strauss’ “Die Fledermaus” with Hillman Opera; Count Almaviva in Mozart’s “Le nozze di Figaro” with the Chautauqua Institution’s Opera Conservatory; Baron Douphol in Verdi’s “La Traviata” with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra; and Dr. Watson in the world premiere of Glen Cortese’s “221B: A Sherlock Holmes Opera” with the Western New York Chamber Orchestra.

Townsend is a candidate for SUNY Fredonia’s Performer’s Certificate and was a finalist in SUNY Fredonia’s 2025 Concerto Competition. His future plans include pursing a master’s degree in vocal performance. He has also been cast in the May 15 Commencement Eve pops concert at SUNY Fredonia, which features stellar student musicians.

When asked for his impressions of the experience, he noted, “The amount of gratitude I have for the Opera Grand Rapids VanderLaan competition can’t be described. To be a young aspiring artist and to have this kind of artistical and financial support is truly life changing.”

Assistant Professor Marrazzo added, “Dominic is very talented, hardworking, and driven. Everyone at SUNY Fredonia is thrilled that he won First Prize in Opera Grand Rapids 2026 VanderLaan Voice Competition and we are delighted to have been part of his singing journey. We wish him great happiness and success as he embarks on the next phase of his studies and career!”

According to its website, the 22nd annual VanderLaan Prize competition is an opportunity for college-level voice students to compete for cash prizes and receive feedback from adjudicators who themselves are acclaimed opera artists. Opera Grand Rapids brings world-class professionals into its adjudication process in order to give contestants meaningful instruction and critique. Ten finalists were chosen to perform in the final round concert at the Betty Van Andel Opera Center in Grand Rapids, Mich., on March 28. The finalists sang for three adjudicators and participated in educational and social activities with one another.