Benjamin Sokol Receives Inaugural Carlisle Floyd Centennial Prize

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The $2,500 prize, honoring the opera composer's centennial, was presented at the organization's annual New York City gala.

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Benjamin Sokol, has been awarded the 2026 Carlisle Floyd Centennial Prize. The award of $2,500 recognizes Sokol’s talents as a promising young opera singer and is the organization’s first time awarding this prize. Sherrill Milnes VOICE Programs made the announcement at its annual gala in New York City on May 6.

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“Receiving the Carlisle Floyd Prize from the Carlisle Floyd Foundation is an honor for which I am deeply grateful.” said Sokol. “I am mindful that any work I do is possible only because of the generosity of the great opera singers, teachers, and educators who have guided and mentored me, and whose example continues to shape my path.”

Sokol continued, “I hold a profound love and respect for the music of Carlisle Floyd, whose artistic voice has left an enduring imprint on American art and continues to teach us how to listen attentively, with honesty, care and above all, a full heart. I accept this prize with humility and thanks, conscious of the legacy it represents and hopeful to honor it through continued learning, service, and dedication to this incredible art form.”

Sokol, a bass-baritone, is a previous Milnes VOICE Scholarship winner with many performance accolades. He has performed in Milnes’ Savannah VOICE Festival productions such as Giuseppe Verdi ’s “Rigoletto” and Michael Ching’s “A Royal Feast.” Carlisle Floyd is attributed as the Father of American Opera. The Carlisle Floyd Centennial organizations aims to celebrate his life, music and centennial year.

The Carlisle Floyd Centennial is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and advancing the legacy of composer Carlisle Floyd through performance, scholarship, and education. Working in partnership with opera companies, orchestras, universities, libraries, and publishers, the Centennial supports performances, research initiatives, and public programs that deepen engagement with Floyd’s work.

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_Originally reported by [BroadwayWorld](https://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwopera/article/Benjamin-Sokol-Awarded-Carlisle-Floyd-Centennial-Prize-by-Sherrill-Milnes-VOICE-Programs-20260519)._