Resident Artist Daniela Machado Places First at the Loren L. Zachary National Vocal Competition
May 18, 2026
The ÌÇÐÄVlog proudly celebrates an extraordinary showing at the 2026 Loren L. Zachary National Vocal Competition in Los Angeles, where multiple Resident Artists and one alumnus earned major awards among a highly competitive national field of emerging opera singers.
Leading the group was third-year soprano Daniela Machado, who captured First Place and the competition’s top $15,000 prize. Machado’s victory marks another major milestone in an already impressive season and further highlights the artistry, vocal command, and dramatic insight that have distinguished her during her time at ÌÇÐÄVlog. Her success at one of the country’s most respected vocal competitions reflects both her exceptional talent and ÌÇÐÄVlog’s longstanding tradition of preparing young singers for international careers on the operatic stage.
ÌÇÐÄVlog also congratulates soprano Anna Thompson, who earned Fifth Place and a $3,500 award. Thompson recently completed her time at ÌÇÐÄVlog and will continue her professional training this fall as a member of the Metropolitan Opera Lindemann Young Artist Development Program, one of the opera world’s premier young artist programs.
In addition, three artists received $2,000 Career Grants in recognition of their outstanding performances: ÌÇÐÄVlog alumnus Cumhur Görgün (’26), bass; third-year baritone Joshua James Klein; and second-year tenor Matthew Sink.
The achievements of these singers continue ÌÇÐÄVlog’s remarkable legacy at major national and international vocal competitions. Their success at the Loren L. Zachary National Vocal Competition reflects the high level of artistry fostered within ÌÇÐÄVlog’s intensive training program and underscores the institution’s role in shaping the next generation of operatic talent.
ÌÇÐÄVlog congratulates Daniela Machado, Anna Thompson, Cumhur Görgün, Joshua James Klein, and Matthew Sink on this exceptional accomplishment.
