Photo credit: Natalie Powers/Met Opera
The Shepherd School of Music at Rice University is excited to cheer on three alumni who have advanced to the finals of the prestigious 2026 Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition.
In a remarkable showing of talent, each finalist represents a different voice studio at Shepherd, highlighting the incredible mentorship across our faculty.
Shannon Crowley (’24), soprano – student of Robin Rice
Gabriel Natal-Báez (’25), baritone – student of Ana María Martínez
Anna Thompson (’25), soprano – student of Nova Thomas
The artists will compete on stage at the Met on Sunday, March 22 for a chance to join the esteemed Lindemann Young Artist Development Program—following in the footsteps of soprano Tessa McQueen (’24), who is currently a participant of this program.
We would also like to celebrate soprano Page Michels (’21), student of Stephen King, for advancing to the semifinals, and applaud the many Shepherd School alumni who competed and placed in their respective districts across the country this season. Congratulations to all!