Baritone Luke Sutliff ’21, an alumnus of Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music, is one of five winners of the 2025 Metropolitan Opera Eric and Dominique Laffont Competition, considered one of the most prestigious awards for emerging opera singers.
“Luke’s victory in the Laffont Competition is a testament to his extraordinary talent and hard work,” said Joshua Winograde, director of opera studies. “His commanding performances showcased the depth of his artistry and his command of the stage — qualities that have defined him since his time at the Shepherd School. We are incredibly proud to see him continue the tradition of excellence that our alumni bring to the world’s greatest stages.”
A former student of Stephen King, the Lynette S. Autrey Professor Emeritus of Voice, Sutliff triumphed in the grand finals after a season-long audition process that began with more than 1,400 applicants. The finals, held at the Metropolitan Opera, featured nine of today’s most promising young vocalists performing with the Met Orchestra under the baton of conductor Karen Kamensek. Hosted by celebrated mezzo-soprano Jamie Barton, the event also included a guest performance by soprano Janai Brugger.
On his path to the win, Sutliff performed “Largo al factotum della città” from “Il Barbiere di Siviglia” and “C’est moi, Carlos! … C’est mon jour supreme ... Carlos, écoute … Ah, je meurs” from “Don Carlos.” He was named one of five winners by a distinguished panel of judges, earning a $20,000 cash prize as well as career-defining exposure and networking opportunities.
The Laffont Competition, formerly known as the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions, has launched the careers of some of the world’s most renowned opera singers, including Renée Fleming, Susan Graham, Lisette Oropesa and Lawrence Brownlee. Supported by the Laffont family, the competition identifies and nurtures young vocal talent across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Sutliff’s victory adds to a growing legacy of Shepherd School excellence in the competition. This year, alumni Lauren Carroll (’24) and Kresley Figueroa (’21) reached the national semifinals, each receiving a $5,000 award. In 2024, Shepherd School soprano Tessa McQueen (’24) also distinguished herself as a finalist in the competition, ultimately earning a place in the Met’s Lindemann Young Artist Development Program.
An alumnus of Houston Grand Opera’s Butler Studio, Sutliff continues to build an impressive performance career. This spring, he will return to HGO to sing Wolfram von Eschenbach in “Tannhäuser,” a production featuring fellow Shepherd School alumni Sasha Cooke and Cory McGee. His upcoming engagements include performances as Marcello in “La Bohème” at Opera Maine and the Atlanta Opera as well as his debut with the Nashville Symphony in Mahler’s Symphony No. 8. He will also appear at major houses and festivals including the Lyric Opera of Chicago, the Canadian Opera Company and the Glyndebourne Festival.