The Voice Area is pleased to announce that NMSU voice students won in two divisions of the annual Vocal Artistry Art Song Festival in Albuquerque, that (due to COVID) was held virtually this fall, postponed from the spring. The theme for this year’s festival was “Canciones Españolas,” a tribute to art song in the Spanish language.

Priscilla Gandara, mezzo-soprano, was a winner in the Young Artist Division, winning the Brahms Award of $250. Ms. Gandara is a junior Music Education major, and is a student of Eike Gunnarson. Also a winner was first year Music Education major Nicholas Gallegos, who won the Desca Music Award of $150 and a new music stand. Mr. Gallegos competed in the Music Education/Choral Division, and is a student of Sarah Neely.