Handel Aria Competition


The Handel Aria Competition is an annual event dedicated to promoting the performance of Handel’s extensive vocal repertoire. This year’s event will be available everywhere via livestream.


The 10th Annual Handel Aria Competition

This year’s Handel Aria Competition will take place on Friday, August 18, 2023 at 7:30 pm in the historic Grace Episcopal Church on the capitol square in Madison, Wisconsin.

The Winners of the 9th Annual Handel Aria Competition

August 19, 2022

All seven finalists, chosen from a field of over 120 applicants, were amazing. They are, from left to right: Logan Tanner, countertenor; Emily Donato, soprano; Hugh Davis, baritone; Katie Koester, soprano; Omar Najmi, tenor; Gabriela Estephanie Solís, mezzo soprano; and Joanne Evans, mezzo soprano.


2022 Final Round Judges

The judges for the final round of the 9th annual Handel Aria Competition were dramaturg Roger Pines, HAC founding Artistic Director Cheryl Bensman-Rowe, and Haymarket Opera Company General Director Chase Hopkins.


Watch 2022’s Competition

View past performances by finalists and competition winners on our YouTube channel.


2022 Program


Support Us with a donation which helps us support emerging singers throughout the competition process by underwriting travel grants and awards, as well as providing remuneration for competition judges and instrumental accompanists.