The Winners of Soirée Lyrique’s Vocal Competition 2026
We would like to congratulate all the Winners of Soirée Lyrique’s Vocal Competition 2026.
Division I
Twinkling Stars: 13 years old and under
1st place $100 - Claire Kovarik - Patrick Michael Jewelers Award
2nd place $50 - Nicole Kukla - Valerie Meachum Award
Division II
Rising Stars: 14 - 19 years old
1st place $200 - Reilly Shannon - Lois Myers-Bauer Award
2nd place $100 – Sophie Januszczyk - Anonymous Award
3rd place $50 - Anouschka Roy - Charlie Hufty Memorial Award
4th place $25 - Violet Arbulu - Nikolai Catron Award
Division III
Shining Stars: 20 - 29 years old
1st place $300 - Leo Mondschain - James Bauer Award
2nd place $200 - Elizabeth Strickland - Jewelry Diamonds & Coins LLC and John LaBorn Award
3rd place $100 - Amanda Miklos - Robert Van Der Schaaf Award
We would also like to mention the pianist Anatoliy Torchinskiy for his exceptional skills at the piano and following and supporting these young singers!
Thank you to all the donors and volunteers, production team and judges. This event could’ve not been possible without you. A special thank you to Murna and Bruce Hansemann for sponsoring the use of the Evangelical Covenant Church of Elgin and John LaBorn for his support and being there every step of the way!
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Soirée Lyrique Returns—With Its Original Name!
After years of waiting in the wings, we are thrilled to announce the return of Soirée Lyrique—restored to its original name and mission!
We’ve patiently awaited the dissipation of the pandemic and a return to stability, but we can no longer wait. Our hearts and souls are ready—eager—to once again share the power of music through the beauty of the human voice.
Recent Events: RESTART Show!
Thank you to all our attendees for a successful concert!
Our Restart Show ended on a high note with a standing ovation from the crowd! We want to sincerely thank each and everyone of you who helped make this production possible. A special thank you to our donors, both new and seasoned!
The celebratory performance featured an All-Star Cast of beloved singers from past productions, performing stunning excerpts from opera, operetta, and musical theatre, accompanied by piano.
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Performers of the 2025 RESTART Show receive a standing ovation at the Evangelical Covenant Church in Elgin.
About Soirée Lyrique, NFP
Soirée Lyrique, NFP was incorporated in March 2014 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of classical vocal arts.
In 2019, the organization operated under the name Fox Valley Lyrical Productions. Activities were placed on hold in March 2019 due to the onset of the pandemic.
Our Mission, Activities and Community Focus:
Our mission is to foster a greater appreciation of the classical vocal arts through education, professional performances, and community outreach in Elgin and the Fox Valley area.
Our programming includes:
Concerts featuring art songs, sacred music, musical theatre, and opera highlights
Fully staged opera productions with chamber ensemble or orchestra
Community and educational outreach events
The Summer Young Artist Program and Vocal Competition: Fox Valley Rising Stars, which train, mentor, and launch emerging vocal talent
What’s New in 2026:
Beginning in 2026, Soirée Lyrique will host:
A String Competition
A Piano Competition
Our annual Vocal Competition & Young Artist Program
Expanding Our Reach:
We are excited to announce a new collaboration with Concert Opera of Greater Chicago, which will help
us expand our geographic reach.
As part of this partnership, we will present an encore performance of our Grand Reopening
Concert in Skokie on November 22, 2025.
