Second Place : Leah Knight

Soprano, Leah Knight began her classical studies at the age of three with violin, piano and voice lessons.  At 13, she was offered a recording contract with a country label and realizing that classical music was her vocation, turned down Nashville.

Leah has performed as soloist for the University of Texas Vocal Gala, UT Chamber Singers, Hollywood Christmas Parade, the CNN Bicentennial broadcast, Armed Forces Radio Network and recital performance by invitation at the Moscow Conservatory of Music, Russia.

Leah has debuted many composers’ works such as the role of La Elquesaíta in the US Premiere of TENTACIONES de SAN ANTONIO and the sacred works by Russell Schulz-Widmar.  While studying at the University of Texas, she performed numerous opera excerpts including Violetta from LA TRAVIATA, Kostanza  from DIE ENTFÜHRUNG aus dem SERAIL, Giulietta from LES CONTES d’HOFFMANN, Vitellia from LA CLEMENZA di TITO, Tatyana from YEVGENY ONEGIN (In Russian), The Witch  from HANSEL and GRETEL and the roles Virtu from L’INCORONATIONE di POPPEA, Tatiana from EUGENE ONEGIN and Erste Dame from DIE ZAUBERFLÖTE with the Austrian American Mozart Academy in Salzburg, Austria.

Her sacred repertoire includes the soprano soloist of Mozart’s Solemn  Vespers, Coronation Mass, Mass in C Major, Hayden’s St. Nicholas Mass, Rutter’s Requiem and Beethoven’s Mass in c Minor.

Leah has sung as a featured soloist for such notable people and organizations as Dr. Norman Vincent Peale, Dr. Hector P. Garcia, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, National Conference for Community and Justice (formerly known as National Conference of Christians and Jews) and former President George H. W. Bush.

Since winning second place in the Lois Alba Aria Competition, Leah has been chosen to participate in the young Artists Program in the Sarasota Opera after which, she will go to a similar program in the Des Moines Metro Opera.

Passion Flower

Dalma Boronkai

Marie Elise Thomas

2006 Photo Gallery