Samford University music students earned national recognition at the 2026 National Opera Association (NOA) Robert Hansen Collegiate Opera Scenes Competition in Boston, continuing the university’s tradition of success at the annual event.
Musical theatre majors Lucy Lammons and Yianni Rokas won first place in the Musical Theatre Division for their performance of “Carried Away” from On the Town. Lammons said the opportunity to represent Samford on a national stage was both exciting and affirming, especially after discovering a deeper love for opera during Samford’s fall production.
Professor Kristin Kenning, director of Samford Opera, said the 2026 results continue a long pattern of national success for Samford at the NOA competition. Over the last decade, Samford student competitors have been routinely invited to compete in the final round and have won first place three times and second place four times.
“It was a huge honor to be asked by Dr. Kenning to do the scene,” Lammons said. “I’ve learned so much from her and being surrounded by performers who love this art form made the experience even more special.” She credited both the theatre and music programs and her long-standing crossover training with voice professor Sharon Lawhon for preparing her to excel.
In the Undergraduate Opera Division, Macy Rose and Leland Garris delivered a well-received performance of the “Watch Duet” from Die Fledermaus. Garris, a graduate student in vocal performance, said competing on a national stage pushed him in meaningful ways.
“Performing at the NOA was amazing,” he said. “I always love a challenge and enjoy putting myself on new stages. Samford prepared me like no other.”
Both scenes were accompanied by vocal performance major Zoë Willis on the piano, who said the competition highlighted Samford’s strength alongside some of the nation’s top programs.
“Competing against students from top competitive programs really showed just how high-level Samford’s opera program is,” Willis said. She noted the strong support the students received from faculty members before, during and after the event and credited Kenning’s steady leadership, insight and rehearsal process for helping each student deliver their best work.
Kenning said the program’s achievements would not be possible without ongoing institutional investment. Over the years, Samford students and faculty have traveled to competitions across the country.
“This level of success doesn’t happen without continued administrative support from the university and the School of the Arts,” Kenning said. “We would never have earned these accolades if the students and faculty hadn’t been supported in travel to the competition. That investment allows our students to have such fabulous experiences on a national stage.”
The students’ accomplishments this year reflect the strength of Samford’s music and theatre programs and the university’s commitment to preparing young artists for competitive professional environments. This success is also a testament to Samford’s national ranking as No. 7 for student learning opportunities, according to the Wall Street Journal.
