Ruth Burr Competition

Lyric Soprano, SHANNON CROWLEY is pursuing a Master of Music degree at Rice University, Shepherd School of Music with Professor Robin Rice, to be awarded in May 2024. She received her undergraduate degree from Michigan State University where she studied with world famous baritone, Mark Rucker. Shannon has performed a vast number of operatic roles both at Rice University and Michigan State as well as with Opera Saratoga where she was the leading artist in the world premiere of “The Selfish Giant.” Ms. Crowley has won numerous awards, among which are winner of the 2023 Laffont Competition Houston District as well as second place winner of the Gulf Coast Region in 2024, the Michigan District of the Metropolitan Opera Competition in 2021 and second place at the NATS National Competition. Ms. Crowley wrote in her statement of plans and aspirations “I have been offered a position as a resident artist at Opera Pittsburgh next year, so I will be finishing my degree in May and moving in September. Despite not being in school, I hope to continue to pursue opera through studying and learning every step of the way. I would love to have a professional singing career, but I also love to teach, so I hope to maintain a studio of young singers wherever I go.”

Mezzo Soprano, SARAH DYER received a Master of Music in Vocal Performance and Pedagogy from the University of Houston, Moores School of Music as well as a Certificate in Vocal Performance. Among her numerous appearances, Sarah has performed with the Central City Opera, Opera in the Ozarks, Festival di Roma , HGO Opera to Go and the Moores Opera Center. She has also won awards from the Wednesday Morning Musical Club of Austin and the Houston Saengerbund Awards among others. Ms. Dyer said in her statement of plans and aspirations “my ultimate goal is to make classical music accessible to everyone no matter their socioeconomic status, health conditions or varying disabilities. I believe that high-quality and seasoned musicians not only belong on the stage, but in our community, inspiring others and sharing the beauty of the classical arts.”

Tenor, AMAAN ATKINS is now pursuing a Master of Music degree at the University of Houston, Moores School of Music. He received his Bachelor of Music degree in May, 2023 from Columbia State University in Columbus, Georgia. Aaman has appeared in various operatic roles at the University of Houston as well as at the Seagle Music Festival. As he wrote in his statement of plans and aspirations, he would “like to be known as someone who takes any genre of music and makes it my own. Ultimately, I would like to begin a premier fine arts high school in Georgia, nurturing the talents of all regardless of background.”