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Washington National Opera is thrilled to announce that it has selected Katherine Goforth as the recipient of the True Voice Award.

Under the partnership of WNO alongside librettist Kimberly Reed, composer Laura Kaminsky, and librettist Mark Campbell, the True Voice Award supports an emerging singer who self-identifies as transgender or non-binary. In addition to a recital on Millennium Stage in May 2024, Goforth will receive career training, artistic coaching, and the opportunity to participate in a performance alongside the Cafritz Young Artists.

About Katherine Goforth

American vocalist Katherine Goforth shares her “noble, colorful and iridescent vocal sound” (Magazin Klassik) in strong and heartfelt performances. “Goforth…does not hold back,” (The New York Times) offering vivid character portraits sung with the utmost commitment and finesse.

Goforth was a featured speaker and performer at the Dallas Symphony Orchestra’s fourth Women in Classical Music Symposium where she was chosen to receive the Career Advancement Award by classical singer Julia Bullock, with whom she shared a joint recital. She appeared on a panel entitled “The Burden of Breaking Through” and offered remarks at the keynote event. Her recent performances have included the tenor solo in Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 with Bozeman Symphony, Walla Walla Symphony, and Yakima Symphony, the tenor solo in Puccini’s Messa di Gloria with Vancouver Symphony (USA), Elisabeth Claude Jacquet de la Guerre’s Ester with Byron Schenkman, Spoletta in Tosca with Portland Opera, and roles in two premieres for Seattle Opera’s Jane Lang Davis Creation Lab. She had recent residencies at Boston Conservatory and Whitman College.

Goforth has been active in advocating for the self-determination of trans (and non-trans) performers. Besides the above panel discussions, she has lectured for Renegade Opera, had an essay published by Opera Canada Magazine, and been quoted in Opera America Magazine. She is also a member of the Trans Opera Alliance.