October 30, 2025
Over the past several months, three distinguished alumni of the Academy of Vocal Arts (AVA), soprano Alexandra Nowakowski (’18), soprano Lydia Grindatto (’25), and tenor Dominick Chenes (’16), have made notable strides on the international opera stage, earning critical acclaim and advancing their professional profiles in major performances and competitions.
Alexandra Nowakowski made a highly anticipated Metropolitan Opera debut in October 2025, stepping into the role of Amina in La Sonnambula. The last-minute cast change proved a triumph, with critics and audiences alike praising her effortless agility and radiant stage presence. Known for her shimmering tone and expressive phrasing, Nowakowski has been hailed as one of the most exciting young voices to watch with her Met debut marking a major milestone in an already ascending career.
Another AVA alumna making waves this fall is Lydia Grindatto, who continues to draw international attention following her First Prize win at the 2025 Loren L. Zachary National Vocal Competition. Shortly after, Grindatto made her European festival debut at Wexford Festival Opera in the title role of Le Trouvère. Despite being announced as under the weather, reviewers described her performance as “fragile but convincing,” showcasing both artistry and resilience. These successes underscore Grindatto’s growing reputation as one of the most promising young sopranos of her generation.
Meanwhile, tenor Dominick Chenes has earned praise on the same Wexford Festival stage for his commanding portrayal of Solano in Frederick Delius’s The Magic Fountain. Critics commended his “vibrant, ringing tone” and “heroic quality,” pointing to his potential in the dramatic and heldentenor repertoire. Earlier this year, Chenes also appeared at the Metropolitan Opera in Jake Heggie’s Moby Dick, continuing his trajectory of major debuts and expanding repertoire across both American and European stages.
Together, these recent achievements highlight the continued global impact of AVA’s training and artistic mentorship. With performances spanning leading houses and festivals on both sides of the Atlantic, Nowakowski, Grindatto, and Chenes exemplify the next generation of operatic excellence fostered by the Academy of Vocal Arts.
Sources:
Seen and Heard International – “An Excellent Wexford Performance Cannot Disguise the Flaws in Delius’s The Magic Fountain” (October 2025)
https://seenandheard-international.com/2025/10/an-excellent-wexford-performance-cannot-disguise-the-flaws-in-deliuss-the-magic-fountain