Jade Xijin Chen '24 MM Wins Third Prize at Butler International Opera Competition

NEC alumna Jade Xijin Chen '24 MM was awarded third prize at the Butler International Opera Competition, earning prestigious recognition among an international field of talented opera singers. The competition brought together 24 semifinalists who performed arias in four languages, celebrating the diversity of operatic repertoire and individual artistic interpretation. Chen emphasized the importance of developing a distinctive musical voice, noting that a singer’s unique interpretation is what makes a performance stand out. Her achievement reflects her commitment to artistic expression and the power of opera to move audiences through music.

Currently a 26-year-old doctoral student in voice performance at the University of Texas at Austin Butler School of Music, Chen returned to the competition this year after participating in the previous year’s event, demonstrating her continued artistic growth and perseverance. Originally from China, Chen began voice lessons at the age of 4. Her recent and upcoming performances include roles in I Capuleti e i Montecchi, Gianni Schicchi, and Le nozze di Figaro, as well as participation in the 2026 Music Academy of the West and Nashville Bel Canto Foundation programs.