USD Student Cadie Logston Advances to MET Laffont Regional Competition

Competing against 24 other singers, Logston earned a place to advance to the next stage of the prestigious vocal competition.

The victory moves Logston into the Upper Midwest Regional Competition, which is scheduled for February 2027. In that round, she will face other district winners from across the region, all vying for a spot in the competition’s national finals.

Logston is currently studying vocal performance under the guidance of Tracelyn Gesteland, DMA, who serves as a professor of voice and opera and holds the Walter A. and Lucy Yoshioka Buhler Endowed Chair.

“Earning recognition in the Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition is a remarkable achievement and speaks to Cadie’s tremendous talent, dedication and artistry,” said Gesteland.

Gesteland noted that Logston has worked extensively to reach this milestone and expressed pride in seeing that effort recognized on such a high-profile stage.

Logston credited the program's environment for her ability to prepare for high-level professional opportunities.

“The USD voice program does a wonderful job of encouraging opportunities for students to grow as singers,” Logston said. “One thing I really cherish about my time here is that the energy I bring to my career, and the growth I strive for, is matched by my professors in their eagerness to guide me to bigger things.”

The Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition helps emerging classical singers in the United States launch professional operatic careers.

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