Music Academy of the West announces 2026 Alumni Performance Awardee Sun-Ly Pierce

Pierce credits her three summers at the Music Academy of the West, along with winning the Academy’s 2019 Marilyn Horne Song Competition, as formative milestones that fueled her creativity and helped shape her artistic path.

“Sun-Ly Pierce is a shining example of what is possible when hard work and determination are met with confidence and humility,” shared John Churchwell, co-director of the Music Academy’s Lehrer Vocal Institute. “She remains true to herself while always treating her colleagues with kindness and respect.”

Lehrer Vocal Institute co-director Sasha Cooke added, “Sun-Ly embodies the very best of the Music Academy. She is as generous offstage as she is onstage, and her dedication to making art accessible to all truly reflects our values. We can’t wait to see what she does next!”

Pierce has received numerous awards and accolades, including third prize of the renowned 2024 Operalia competition, first-place of the Eleanor McCollum Competition for Young Singers, and top prizes in the Dallas Opera National Vocal Competition and Butler Opera International Voice Competition. She was a semi-finalist in the Kurt Weill Foundation’s Lotte Lenya Competition and an Encouragement Winner in the New England Region of The Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition. A native of Clinton, New York, she holds degrees from the Eastman School of Music and Bard College Conservatory of Music.

Located in Santa Barbara, the Music Academy of the West provides classically trained musicians and diverse audiences with transformative educational and performance experiences. As part of its annual Summer Music Festival & School, the Academy presents the Fellowship Institute, which trains up to 150 fellows ages 18–34, alongside the High School Intensive, a two-week program for 80 gifted musicians ages 14–18. The Music Festival showcases more than 100 performances and events, including masterclasses and a fully staged opera. The 2026 Summer Music Festival & School will run June 17–August 8.

Year-round Music Academy programs include Sing!, a free, after-school children’s choral program and the Mariposa Concert Series, featuring Academy-affiliated artists and alums. In 2028, the Academy will open its Music Education Center in downtown Santa Barbara, expanding access to music education, rehearsal, and performance opportunities for the community. Learn more at musicacademy.org.