The Rochester Oratorio Society invites music lovers to witness the next generation of vocal stars at the Final Round of the 2025 Rochester International Vocal Competition (RIVC), taking place Saturday, May 17, 2025 at 7:30 PM at RIT’s Allen Chapel, 40 Lomb Memorial Drive, Rochester, NY.

In its 18th year, RIVC has grown from a local talent showcase to a prestigious international competition. This year’s finalists, selected from a pool of 136 applicants, will compete live for top honors before celebrity judge Evans Mirageas, Artistic Director of Cincinnati Opera and one of the most influential voices in opera today.

The 2025 finalists include:

• Catherine Psarakis, a Greek-American soprano praised for her commanding stage presence and sparkling coloratura, has appeared with orchestras across the U.S. and Europe.
• Maximillian Jansen is a versatile tenor known for his vibrant artistry on both the operatic and concert stage. He is fresh from performances with Opera Saratoga and the Berkshire Opera Festival.
• Yazid Gray, a baritone hailed as “a vocal chameleon” with recent roles at Arizona Opera, Salt Marsh Opera, and major concert appearances nationwide.

“This is an unforgettable opportunity to hear extraordinary talent at a pivotal moment in their careers,” said Eric Townell, Artistic Director of the Rochester Oratorio Society. “Our finalists are artists who will soon grace stages worldwide—and Rochester gets to hear them first.”

The evening will also feature the premiere of a new original piano composition by longtime ROS collaborator Dr. Kevin Nitsch during the judge’s deliberation.

Tickets are available now at www.rossings.org/competition.

The Rochester International Vocal Competition is a key initiative in the Oratorio Society’s commitment to music education and the advancement of young artists. Proceeds support ROS’s outreach programs, including youth education partnerships and free public performances. This program is made possible by the generous support of our sponsors, including the Opera Guild of Rochester and Insero Advisors, LLC.

ABOUT THE ROCHESTER ORATORIO SOCIETY
Founded in 1945, the Rochester Oratorio Society is the region’s premier choral ensemble. It is dedicated to performing a diverse repertoire of masterworks and contemporary compositions. ROS aims to enrich the community’s cultural life through exceptional performances and educational outreach. More information is available at rossings.org.