HGO and the International Stage

Opera, at its core, is about connection—connection to the music, to the story, and to the shared experience of an audience coming together. It is an art form that transcends time, language, and geography, reminding us of our shared humanity. This belief has guided my work as Director of the Butler Studio at Houston Grand Opera, where my mission is to seek out and cultivate the most extraordinary talent, no matter where in the world it may be found.

Houston, after all, is one of the most international cities in America, and we wear that as a point of pride. Our city’s vibrancy comes from the varied perspectives and lived experiences of its people, and HGO reflects that same global richness. Opera is where generations meet—where the great traditions of the past converge with new voices to create something larger than the sum of its parts.

When I joined HGO, I was tasked with traveling extensively to identify emerging talent and forge relationships with the companies and decision-makers shaping opera today. The more we engage with the international opera community, the more we position Houston as a dynamic part of that ecosystem. As a mentor to the 11 artists in the Butler Studio, I work to cultivate these relationships so that industry leaders get to know our artists and the work we do in Houston. That creates opportunities, opens doors, and ultimately helps our singers achieve their full potential.

At the same time, we recognize that the most extraordinary voices don’t come from any single place. We want the best of the best, no matter where they’re from—but the reality is that many promising artists across the globe don’t have the financial means or logistical ability to travel to the U.S. for auditions. If we truly want to discover the most exciting talent, we need to meet them where they are. Establishing a Butler Studio recruiting tool in Europe, where the opera market is vibrant, is essential to making that happen.

Vocal competitions are a valuable tool for identifying extraordinary talent. Those who have attended Concert of Arias know firsthand how thrilling it is to witness young artists rise to the occasion in an environment that challenges them to deliver their best performances. Competitions allow us to hear dozens of singers in a condensed period and discover voices we may not otherwise encounter. HGO and many other opera companies use them as a vital recruitment tool.

So this winter, when we at HGO saw an opportunity to do the same on an international level, we didn’t hesitate. Thanks to the generosity of Ignacio Torras, a longtime HGO family member, the company has created the Torras Family Foundation Prize, an award given by HGO to an emerging artist at the Tenor Viñas Competition, held each year at Barcelona’s Gran Teatre del Liceu.

This special $25,000 prize is designed to recognize an artist who not only demonstrates extraordinary vocal ability, but is also a consummate musician and compelling communicator—someone with clear potential for a major international career. Thanks to Ignacio, a Barcelona native, this prize also marks the beginning of an exciting new collaboration between HGO and the Liceu, one of Europe’s most important cultural centers.

Founded in 1963, the Tenor Viñas Competition is one of the most prestigious of its kind in Europe, attracting hundreds of young singers each year. Named after the great Catalan tenor Francisco Viñas, it has long been a proving ground for the next generation of opera stars. The competition is rigorous, demanding artistry, technique, and depth of interpretation across multiple rounds, with a jury composed of casting directors and artistic leaders from the world’s most renowned houses.

In January of this year, I was fortunate to join the jury of the Viñas Competition, traveling to Barcelona to present the Torras Family Foundation Prize on behalf of HGO. There were so many artists from all over the world—many incredible voices and compelling performers. However, one artist stood out from the very start as the embodiment of this prize—not just for his voice, but for how his artistry deepened with each round. Mihai Damian, a 28-year-old Romanian baritone, possesses an instrument with both warmth and bite—a voice that fills a hall with effortless presence. His technical consistency, deep musical understanding, and natural dramatic instincts set him apart.

But what made Mihai truly exceptional was his artistry, a quality that goes beyond vocal beauty. Before becoming a singer, he trained as a conductor, giving him an extraordinary sense of phrasing, structure, and storytelling. Every note carried precision and purpose, revealing a rare ability to shape and inhabit the musical line. His artistry was sophisticated yet deeply expressive—the kind of talent that doesn’t just show promise; it demands attention. We will certainly be following Mihai’s career closely, and who knows? Perhaps one day, we’ll have the opportunity to welcome him to the HGO stage. He is undoubtedly a name to watch. 

Beyond awarding an extraordinary artist, this experience also reinforced the immense value of international collaboration. Sitting on the Viñas jury was an incredible opportunity—not only to hear exceptional voices, but also to engage with colleagues from the Royal Opera House, Deutsche Oper Berlin, Teatro alla Scala, The Metropolitan Opera, Teatro Real, and of course, the Liceu. These conversations were rich and illuminating, providing deep insights into how artistic standards are evolving and reinforcing our shared commitment to discovering and nurturing the next generation of opera singers.

The CEO of the Liceu, Valentí Oviedo, shared an insight that epitomizes the significance of this kind of cultural exchange. Opera and European history, he told me, are inseparable. The art form has always mirrored their society, capturing its struggles and triumphs, its transformations and cultural shifts. This resonated with me, particularly as I thought about the way Houston embodies the very spirit of global artistic exchange. Just as many operas tell the story of Europe, our operatic tradition at HGO tells a uniquely American story—one shaped by ambition, excellence, and the belief that great artistry can come from anywhere.

We will return to the Viñas Competition next year to celebrate another extraordinary young talent, continuing to build on the relationships we have established. The most exciting part? You never know who will walk through that door, which voices will emerge, and which stories will unfold.