2026 Vocal Masterclass
The Washington, DC Chapter of the National Society of Arts and Letters held a vocal masterclass from 2:00-5:00 on May 17, 2026 at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Georgetown. Four vocalists who had won scholarships in the chapter’s Winston and Martorella classical voice competitions were coached in a public session by competition chair Dr. Kate Vetter Cain and judge Patrick Kilbride. The goal of the masterclass was to refine artistry, communication, and professional-level technique in classical repertoire.
The singers were baritone Jesse Kliman and sopranos Olivia Gonzales, Ashlyn Rock and Alicia Tagert. The singers expressed appreciation for the experience and chapter members in attendance enjoyed the musical artistry and learning about the details of the craft. Everyone socialized afterwards at a reception.
Thank you to the Nancy Peery Marriott Foundation for the grant making this masterclass possible.
Patrick Kilbride instructing 18 year old baritone Jesse Kliman who placed 3rd in the chapter’s Winston Classical Voice competition. The piano accompanist was Rhys Burgess.
Olivia Gonzales receives feedback from Dr. Kate Vetter Cain. Olivia is currently a student at the Shepherd School of Music at Rice University and made the trip from Houston to attend the masterclass.
Soprano Ashlyn Rock, a chapter winner of a 2026 Martorella Scholarship in Classical Voice, performed a piece from the Straus opera Der Rosenkavalier.
Soprano Alicia Russell Tagert, a chapter winner of a 2025 Martorella Scholarship in Classical Voice, performed a piece from the opera Hansel and Gretel by Engelbert Humperdinck and a piece from Mozart’s opera Idomeneo.
Dr. Kate Vetter Cain and Patrick Kilbride provided valuable feedback to the singers.
Left to right: Rhys Burgess, Patrick Kilbride, Dr. Kate Vetter Cain, Ashlyn Rock, Olivia Gonzales, Alicia Tagert, Jesse Kliman.
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