The Rochester Oratorio Society is proud to name Yaffa as the 2025 recipient of the Rochester International Vocal Competition’s Joe Eduardo Emerging Artist Award, an honor that not only recognizes her extraordinary talent but also pays tribute to a man whose vision helped shape the future of vocal music in Rochester.

Born and raised in Brooklyn and of Russian-American heritage, Yaffa is currently pursuing her Master of Music in Vocal Performance at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, where she studies under soprano Rhoslyn Jones. Her 2024–25 season is filled with exciting roles, including the title character in Orlando, Maurya in Riders to the Sea, and Carmen in Carmen. Whether singing Mozart or Bizet, Ovsishcher brings emotional depth and theatrical intensity to every note.

This award carries a special legacy. The Joe Eduardo Emerging Artist Award was established in memory of Joseph Eduardo, a devoted member of the Rochester musical community who passed away in 2020. Joe was instrumental in the founding of the Rochester International Vocal Competition, working alongside Artistic Director Eric Townell to create a platform where early-career artists could shine.

Joe’s legacy lives on not just in the competition itself, but in the young vocalists it uplifts—singers like Yaffa, whose artistry inspires hope for the future of opera and vocal music. Joe was known for his sharp ear, generous spirit, and a deep commitment to the arts. Naming this award in his honor reflects his lifelong passion for nurturing young talent and building bridges between artists and audiences.

In her own rising career, Yaffa has already made a name for herself on competition stages nationwide. She was recently a finalist in the 2025 NOA Carolyn Bailey Argento Vocal Competition, the Dominick Argento Fellowship, and the Shirley Rabb Winston Classical Voice Competition. At just the beginning of her professional journey, she’s already being recognized for both musicality and promise.

Reflecting on her RIVC experience, Yaffa shared on Instagram:

“So thrilled to announce that I have been chosen as the 2025 Rochester International Vocal Competition’s Emerging Artist Winner!“

It’s fitting that an award named after a generous mentor and arts advocate would go to an artist like Yaffa, whose voice is as soulful as it is technically masterful. As she continues to grow and take on the operatic world, we can all say: we saw her here first.

Congratulations to Yaffa Ovsishcher—the 2025 Joe Eduardo Emerging Artist Award Winner.