The Gerda Lissner Foundation

...encouragement and assistance to young opera artists ...

15 East 65th Street, 3rd Floor New York, NY, 10065 United States

An Enchanted Evening, Zankel Hall at Carnegie Hall

March 28, 2023  /  Gerda Lissner Foundation

Tickets to this event are free. See below how to reserve your space.

Tickets are free at Carnegie charge 212.247.7800 or complete the form below and we will hold them at the box office under your name.

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The Gerda Lissner Foundation presents

January 12, 2023  /  Gerda Lissner Foundation

A Celebration of the Lunar New Year

An Evening with Gerda Lissner Foundation Prize Winner Anthony Roth Costanzo, Colleagues and Emerging Artists from Manhattan School of Music at New York's Classical Radio Station WQXR

Saturday, January 21, 2023 at 7 P.M.

This event will be live streamed and recorded for broadcast in February as part of WQXR's McGraw Family's Young Artist Showcase.

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In Memoriam

June 02, 2020  /  Gerda Lissner Foundation

Dear Friends, Colleagues

It is with great great sadness to announce the passing of our dear beloved President, Stephen De Maio on Thursday May 28,2020 .

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Stephen was adored and loved by many, he worked tirelessly to promote young opera singers, he never stopped caring or lost interest in any career of young opera singers that crossed his path.  Stephen achieved greatness for The Gerda Lissner Foundation and his involvement with the Opera World had no boundaries. Stephens enthusiasm was so electrifying that everyone around him had to join in to celebrate all the beautiful voices he discovered and cherished during his long life and career. Stephen was an amazing human being, an outstanding President, a dedicated family man, a loyal friend and a  man with such a colossal large heart that he would always help out in one way or another.

You will be so missed Stephen!

  • Michael Fornabaio, Vice President & Treasurer

  • Cornelia Beigel, Secretary & Trustee

  • Karl Michaelis, Trustee

  • Barbara Ann Testa, Trustee

Below we have compiled words from friends and colleagues that have been shared about Stephen since his passing. If you wish to share your own letter, please e-mail us at mail@gerdalissner.org.

“It is with great sadness that I learned of the death of Stephen DeMaio, an icon in the world of opera for his lifelong mentoring and support of aspiring young opera singers through his tireless work for numerous prestigious opera foundations.

Mr. De Maio served as President of the prestigious Gerda Lissner Foundation, was Administrative and Artistic Director of the Licia Albanese  Puccini Foundation, Artistic Advisor of the Gulio  Gari Foundation and Consultant to the Loren L. Zachary Foundation. He has served as a judge for vocal competitions too numerous to count. I had the privilege of enjoying Mr. DeMaio’s master classes at Marymount College for 17 years where he brought renowned retired singers to coach young singers. I recall Licia Albanese, Lucine Amara, Marta Eggerth Kipura, Katherine Grayson, Jane Powell, Ann Blythe and so many other great artists.

I was thrilled when Stephen asked me to work for him as a competition assistant for his foundations’ annual vocal competitions, a job I have enjoyed  annually for more than 25 years. I will long remember Stephen for his boundless energy, his passion for Opera and his tireless commitment to aspiring young singers.

Thousands of young singers have passed through the foundations’ annual competitions and countless many of our current opera super stars will fondly remember Stephen for the ‘step up’ Stephen gave them to their successful careers.

Rest in peace dear Stephen and know that you will be greatly missed.”

JOYCE GREENBERG

“One thing I can say about Steve…he was decisive and when Id ask him a question he never evaded he always told me his opinion and there was no hesitation and it was always well thought out. Steve enabled things to get done…he had a magical way to make it work even when things looked particularly bleak, Steve could find a resolution.

I shall miss his dry humor and the reliable source he was to bounce off information to get a reasoned reaction. I pray God’s grace on Steve…in everlasting light…”

ROBERT LOMBARDO

“I am extremely saddened by this news.  From the time I first came to this city (1996), Stephen was kindness personified to me.  

That very first year, when I was an assistant at CAMI, I was told I should attend the Licia Albanese/Puccini Foundation gala if I wanted to hear some great “singers of the past” still performing at a pretty high level and that he was the person I needed to get in touch with for a ticket.  

Needless to say, I was a bit hesitant when I first called him, thinking he might turn me down...  “Michael who?  You work at CAMI?  Sure!  There will be a ticket at the box office of Tully Hall for you!”  And from that moment on, every year that I happened to be in town for the gala, he would kindly offer me one or a pair of tickets.

And then he was the one who asked me to judge the Gerda Lissner Competition once he got involved with it.

I don’t think I am grasping the enormity of this loss yet, but I am sure it will hit me soon.”

MICHAEL BENCHETRIT

“It was such a joy to work with him; the enormous  energy he put into his work with the Gerda Lissner Foundation.

His great love for singing and his knowledge were formidable. One thing which was so special for me, was that when an aria was announced and sung which Steve knew I particularly loved, he would give me a knowing  smile, like we were sharing a piece of candy.

MAESTRO EVE QUELER

“We are also overwhelmed with the loss of Stephen De Maio, especially at this awkward sad time in our country's history. We remember all the fine times from the vocal competitions, to dinners and special Opera Nights at the Columbus Citizens Club, which he sometimes shared with our friend Opera lecturer Lou Barrella. He also had magical evenings at the Liederkranz, and Kosciusko organizations. Steve was so proud of his sister Marie who was a teacher and principal in the New Jersey Public School system for over half a century. In 1966 as newlyweds, we lived a few doors away from Steve but not knowing him. Years later, we would reminisce about Murray Hill and Steve, the neighbor we never knew till much later.

Several years ago and after a Tosca performance at the Metropolitan Opera, Steve invited us to a party at Fiorello's Restaurant across from Lincoln Center for one of his favorite tenors, Brazilian Ricardo Tamura, and his charming wife Dagmar. Tamura had just sung his first brilliant Cavaradossi from Tosca at the Metropolitan Opera and was known to us for his many ringing performances at the Licia Albanese-Puccini Foundation which evolved into an annual opera "must attend" event. Legendary Russian born Verdi baritone Dmitri Hvorostovsky also dropped by Ricardo's party at Fiorello's and his last words to me were, "You saw and heard Ettore Bastianini? You don't know how lucky you are."  

Steve's love for the young talented singers shined through and the best part was his pride in their success. We are certain Cornelia Beigel, Michael Fornabaio, Karl Michaelis, Barbara Ann Testa, and others will do their best in the great spirit of Stephen De Maio to keep what he loved and worked for alive.”

JUDY & NINO PANTANO

"I'm truly saddened to learn of Stephen's passing. He held a unique role in our world of opera, helping countess young singers over the past generations. He not only remembered every singer he heard, but years later, he remembered what they sang!

Steve also had a great love for the artists of the past,which began with his life-long friendship with his beloved Licia Albanese.

He brought so much of the opera world together, through his competitions, concerts and events. Stephen was a great mentor and friend to so many,including myself. He can never be replaced,but our best way to thank him,and to honor his memory, is to do our best to continue helping the upcoming generation of young singers a this difficult time".

KEN BENSON

“To be in a world where Steven DeMaio no longer is, is so very sad, but to have known him at all has always been a gift that kept on giving and I am blessed with nearly 40 years of wonderful memories.

From the first class at Steve’s lecture series “let’s go to the opera” at Marymount Manhattan College he found a place in my heart and with a group of other like minded I kept coming back season after season. It morphed into Masterclasses, giving young aspiring singers the opportunity to sing for great stars from the opera world, among them of course our beloved madama Licia Albanese.

Our little group of affectionadas went on to help Steve for many years with the LAPF’s competition for young opera singers. Long days and hard work but loved every minute of it. His immense knowledge of opera and people in the opera world, his boundless energy, his quick temper but friendly and inclusive nature—I was grateful for it and still am. He will be missed.”

SONJA LARSEN

“We will always remember Stephen De Maio from the first time we met him at the George London finals about 13 years ago and he invited us to attend the auditions of the Lissner Competition. And we have enjoyed the competitions ever since.  Stephen was a person we always respected as a gentleman and the embodiment of operatic knowledge and someone who always had time to share that knowledge with us. Although we missed him for the past couple of years at competitions and dinners, we knew that he was there in spirit. We will never forget him. In bocca al lupo!”

LOUISE SIMMONS & BOB FUNCK

“Moving forward at this extremely uncertain time, I know we will all miss the passion and enthusiasm Steve brought to his work. Together, we can honor his tremendous legacy by continuing to support our young artists in any way we can as they seek to find their place in the new normal. May their talents and commitment lead the way. “

MIDGE WOOLSEY

“ My mother, Marta Eggerth, and my family loved Stephen and always felt very strongly about all that he did for the Licia Albanese/Puccini Foundation, Gerda Lissner Foundation and for the numerous opera singers he helped with their careers.  His tireless and selfless work putting together these enormous gala concerts was truly amazing.  And with all of this, Steve knew how to be a good and loyal friend to those who had the privilege of knowing him.  He made the world a better place.      

Steve will always be in our hearts.”  

MARJAN & JANE KIEPURA

"Stephen De Maio had a profound love of opera and a passion for helping young singers. He was immensely supportive of me and so many others as we began our careers. His kindness and words of encouragement always helped to put me at ease during vocal competitions. He was always enthusiastic to hear what projects I was working on and I always felt as though he believed in me. He touched the lives of countless singers and will be truly missed.”

CHLOE MOORE

“I had known Steve De Maio for almost thirty years! He and I used to joke that he was my “second father” (Licia Albanese was my “Mamma” and Karl Michaelis was my “uncle”)! What he did for me (and also for many other singers) during that time cannot be put in words here, because these would consume far more than the available space! And there is no real need for it, as most people that will be reading this know everything that I would be writing!

Everyone here knows what kind of person he was, and how important his work had been.Therefore, I will just mention a few things that I, personally, strongly associate with him: Steve worked really hard, and he was always busy and in a hurry! He loved bread, and he was very “strict” with the things that he ordered at a restaurant: The basic requirement being that (besides the indispensable bread) whatever else he ate had to have a lot of tomato sauce!

We had countless meals together, but, with the exception of one single beef dish that both of us used to order regularly at a French-Japanese restaurant near his place, I almost only remember him eating “Pasta Marinara” (Ital. “al sugo”) or “Veal Piccata”! Both dishes were, of course, always ordered with a big extra portion of tomato sauce on the side!! (The “original” Veal Piccata recipe actually does not have tomato sauce at all... But, if he found one of those, Steve would always order the sauce separately!)With time, all the restaurants where he used to go knew that “his” Veal Piccata had to have tomato sauce, and they served it to him just like that! And when, a few times, I orderer the same dish, but mine came without the tomato sauce, Steve always complained in my name!! The first time it happened, Steve was very surprised and a bit disappointed, when I told the waiter that I didn’t need the extra sauce... He ended up sharing his extra portion sauce with me!.... So was Steve: He “knew what was best”, and he insisted that all of us also got “the best”!(To this day, every time I see some food with lots of tomato sauce, I immediately think of Steve!)

Through him I got to know many wonderful people, I learned a lot, and I had a number of experiences that have made my life “extraordinary”! If a life should be measured by the way it impacts the lives of other people, then, considering just me, Steve’s life achieved total plenitude. And I was, by far, not the only one! Now that we all mourn his passing, we miss him and we suffer with the heavy loss, I wish that he might (finally) get his deserved rest, and that he might find peace and calm, in the realm of Eternal Light.And, above all, I hope that Heaven is a place where one can get plenty of tomato sauce!”

RICARDO TAMURA

"Stephen always looked for the good in everyone, and praised it."   

NEDRA ZACHARY



“Stephen De Maio has been for nearly 40 years one of the biggest assets to opera in the entire world.  Losing his presence leaves a huge gap in the development of young singers from all over the world and in the lives of us who struggle for meaningfulness in our civilization. 

Stephen was for a long time the right arm of legendary soprano Licia Albanese and her noble efforts to further the careers of young budding vocal artists.  Carefully organized, he unselfishly built other foundations he worked with into well-respected sources of financial help and guidance, even to give the singers invaluable advice they were not getting elsewhere. 

But so much more than that, Stephen influenced the world of opera by encouraging the young ones who hadn’t yet found the ultimate path to success, inviting the less successful singers to come back and try again.  We often talked about the preparation he received from his stellar education at New York University and from pure experience of watching potential singers grow.  We will all remember him with great love and admiration.”

THURMOND SMITHGALL

“When I reminisce about the times I was privileged to enjoy with Stephen DeMaio, a singular leader in the opera world and tireless advocate for the next generation of opera singers, the encompassing word that comes to mind is ceremonies— sacred celebrations that create community:

• Picking up the phone when Stephen called to ask me to serve as pianist or judge for events( sponsored by The Gerda Lissner Foundation, Lucia Albanese Foundation, The Giulio Gari Foundation or Opera at Florham), his voice crackled with excitement in planning the contests to find new extraordinary young opera singers in order to support them in growing their careers.

• Entering the audition venue prior to the start of any competition day, I would always see Stephen and his dear Conny bustling around making sure everything was perfect— the seating and audition materials for the judges( and maybe some cookies and chocolates), the performing space for the singers and “front-row seats” for the audience 

• Greeting Stephen backstage at winners’ galas , he would be beaming from ear to ear with pride about the new talents being featured plus former winners of the competitions, who had gone on to sing in major opera houses around the world, whom he chose to showcase.

His inimitable welcome speeches at these events —and all he brought to life and to our music world —will be sorely missed.”

ARLENE SHRUT

“Steve’s passing is a great loss to many of us - and for many of the same reasons: we all loved and admired him. I’ve had the absolute pleasure of knowing and working closely with Steve from the late 1980s toearly 2000s, in Marymount Manhattan College’sfast-paced (read never-ending over-the-top hectic)Continuing Education program with its 200+ courses, 12 Career-Training Certificate programs, 215 faculty members, 6000+ adult students.Initially, Steve came to CE as a highly recommended opera instructor. His introductory class was so successful, he expanded its curriculum to include an advance class, featuring opera stars and important people behind the scenes. It, too, was an immediate hit. (He continued to teach both classes until he left CE and MMC c. 2008.)  After a few years teaching opera, Steve’s accepted the position, Director of the American English program. Later he also supervised theRegistration staff and Offsite programs. And as his responsibilities continued to increase, Steve was promoted to Director of Continuing Education. 

 Steve’s great success, as both an instructor and administrator, is easy tounderstand. He demonstrated the very best qualities of humanityand leadership in everything he did: Steve was thoughtful, considerate, loyal, responsible. Hetook-charge of and solved problems quickly and fairly. He paid attention to detail and the big picture. He maintained high standards of integrity and excellence – and he worked without ego.Steve paid attention to what needed to be done, and he either did it or ensured it was done, correctly!

He was amazing. Everyone in CE and MMC respected Steve and appreciated his effectiveness and good work. We knew we were fortunate to have him with us.

 And while we’re all saddened by his loss, Steve willremain alive and vital in our collective and individual memories - and he will always be close by, in our hearts.”

 MARY KAY JEYNES

Former Dean, Continuing Education

“Steve DeMaio was the best friend any young opera singer could wish for. When I first met Steve, I must say that I was not prepared for the dynamo that was housed within! He always looked as if he’d  dressed himself as an afterthought; the only thing missing was tape to hold his glasses together! But that mind! Sharp as anything, and like a lion ready to defend his cubs, who were, of course, his beloved young singers. 

I owe Steve for much of my happiness and career satisfaction in the last decade: although I was an opera fan since high school, my work was always with singers of popular music. But Steve saw in me the adjudicator and master teacher that I have become.

In October of 2009, I was brought in to adjust the winners of the Licia Albanese-Puccini Foundation competition, for their annual concert. In two hours, I “fixed” fifteen singers and Carol Lawrence (who was getting the Lifetime Achievement Award). Steve noticed, and asked me to judge. And then he asked me to do a couple of invited masterclasses.  He loved the idea of “The Total Package”— a young professional who looks great, sounds great, and carries him- or herself with poise and confidence.

I loved to see Steve’s reaction when a tenor with that honeyed Italianate sound would step in front of us, and sing something from the standard rep. Steve couldn’t wait for the end of the aria; he had to get our attention to see if we were as enchanted as he was! Clearly, his encyclopedic memory was not just for singers’ names and faces—he also remembered everything that Licia had ever said in his earshot! Therefore, when Steve was running “the show,” sopranos were never invited to sing “Come scoglio”,  or Juliette’s Poison Aria. The sopranos were "too young", and the arias "too difficult". He had no use for Mme Mao’s aria, or even “No Word from Tom” from Rake’s Progress. He found most Handel arias “too long”—but he never tired of “Ch’il bel sogno”!

 In retrospect, I guess it is easier on all of us who loved him, that Steve “faded away”…I had spoken to him a few times in the last year, but I hadn’t seen him for some time. But his fingerprints are on the rosters of opera houses all over the world. Clearly, his love for the music, and those who sing it, lives on.”

SCOTT BARNES

“Steve De Maio was a “demanding” man!  Oh, but in a very positive way, as he would always strive for perfection.  He was as demanding of himself as he was of others. 

Steve’s Galas were coordinated with exacting standards; yet for all his efforts, he kept off the microphone and out of the spotlight for most of the time, letting others speak, sing and shine! Steve knew what great singers sounded like and guided, encouraged, showcased and financed hundreds of aspiring young singers to always do their best.  He has given the Opera World a continuance of great tradition and style by virtue of demanding it in his own gentle yet convincing way.  I was introduced to Steve by Licia Albanese and we had mutual respect for each other immediately.  I had the pleasure of Co-Hosting a few Opera Nights at the Columbus Club with him and no matter what I planned to do, he usually had a way of convincing me to change some of my plans.  

In 2016, he gave me a most difficult assignment by asking me to highlight the careers of Teresa Apolei, Giulio Gari and Elinor Ross in the second half of the evening in a 45 minute slot between dinner and dessert.  I told him it was an impossible task; yet he said he said “oh, you can do it.”  I guess I could have declined; but not wanting to disappoint Steve, I worked hard to give each artist their due respect.  

Ultimately, it was a great learning experience that gave me much personal and professional satisfaction, especially with Teresa, Gloria and Elinor in attendance.  I’m so thankful for Steve’s “demanding” ways as has made me and lots of others better for it.  May God grant him eternal peace and music forever!”      

LOU BARRELLA

“When the Caruso Museum did the Bergonzi Concert, Steve said “You have to give him an autographed picture of Caruso.” When I told him it would cost $1,500, he said that the money we make will cover it. So I did what Steve wanted. After the concert, he sent the Caruso Museum a check for $4,000. This was Steve — always doing the right thing.”

ALDO MANCUSI


A number of years ago, a very special pure lyric tenor sang a good audition for the competition.  After he sang, Stephen enthusiastically came up to me and whispered in my ear, saying , Arthur, Arthur, you must tell him to learn Gerald's aria from Lakme right away.  He insisted (and I agreed) that the aria was ideal for him and would move his career ahead faster. 

Well, not only did he win 2nd prize with that aria the following year, but it continued to take people's breath away as he began every audition with it from then on.  What a difference Stephen made for this young singer.  I'll always be grateful

ARTHUR LEVY

I was so saddened to learn of Stephen’s passing. He was truly a legend! His commitment to opera and to helping young singers was unparalleled. His enthusiasm and knowledge was amazing. I always loved coming to judge the Gerda Lissner competition. Steve made us feel so welcome and valued. I know his work will live on through the Gerda Lissner Foundation. 

He will be dearly missed!

DEBORAH BIRNBAUM

Stephen De Maio: You will be so missed , by those of us , who knew you back when dear Licia was around. For your kindness, knowledge, and know how , and of course that laugh that made everybody happier.

The young singers have lost such an ally! I send you all at the “ Lissner” company my love and sympathy.

And and a Big BRAVO !! For Steve!!!

MIGNON DUNN

I was so saddened when I got the news this morning of Stephens passing.   I met Stephen with Licia at an Aprile Millo recital.  His friendliness will never be forgotten.  He immediately invited me to come to the events at Gerda Lissner.   He always knew everyone's name and took a personal interest in every conversation.  His knowledge of opera was amazing and his joy and love not only for the art form but all the people around him always left me touched with admiration.   

I never miss a Gerda Lissner event as I feel so grateful and happy to be a part of these events and will treasure the many conversations I had with him and the warmth he showed in including me in these events.   He was a special and unique man who truly loved what he did. I will miss him and look forward to when we can all be together again and celebrate his life and all the wonderful things he did.

EUGENE REILLY

He was a most enthusiastic teacher and his enthusiasm (especially for Licia Albanese and Puccini) was so contagious that he aroused in me what would become a lifelong interest in opera and a new profession.

We made a class trip to the Met to see Samson et Dalilah with Marilyn Horne.  It must have been 30 years ago!  I wonder how many other students at Marymount were similarly inspired.

I will miss his presence so deeply. I knew I could count on seeing him at every gala, every celebration.

MECHE KROOP

All of us are sad beyond words.  Steve was so loved and admired by everyone and will be terribly missed.

He did so much for the music world in a very quiet and humble way.  He dedicated his life to music and to the young singers for decades.

What I remember most about Steve is how he would look on with a big smile when the singers were auditioning.  Even after decades of hearing countless number of singers, he still experienced such enjoyment listening to them.  I loved looking at him at those moments, in awe and admiration.

Steve was extraordinary, exceptional, kind, generous, loving and very humble. I will miss him very much.  It was such a great honor to have met my "sweetheart".

MICHELE T. CLASSE

Trace and I know only how deeply committed Stephen was to discovering and helping young singers, what an enormous  difference he made in the music world, and how very kind and welcoming he was in including us in the wonderful Gerda Lissner events.He was absolutely one of a kind, and we will all miss him dearly.

SUSAN & TRACE STOUT


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2020 Competition Cancelled

March 18, 2020  /  Gerda Lissner Foundation

As you know, the COVID-19 (coronavirus) situation has been evolving rapidly. We have been monitoring recommendations and came to the decision to cancel the 2020 Competition: March 30 to April 4 and consequently our Winners Concert at Zankel Hall Carnegie Hall, May 17. Travel restrictions, closures and health concerns made it impossible to continue as intended.

We are planning on holding our IVC next year, and wish you the best and to stay well.

Please check our web site for updates concerning 2021.

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Greetings From Santa Fe!

July 18, 2015  /  Gerda Lissner Foundation

We received a wonderful photo and letter from friends of the foundation today!

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"Dear Mr. De Maio & the good people of The Gerda Lissner Foundation,

We are all currently singing together in the Apprentice Singer Program here at the Santa Fe Opera and having a wonderful time.

Thank you for your tireless support of young singers and for making our dreams possible!

Sincerely yours,

 Jarrett Ott, Galeano Salas, Olivia Vote, Michael Adams, Heather Phillips, Cullen Gandy and Megan Marino"

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