Lea Salonga and Michael Feinstein to Lead Free Songbook Academy Public Masterclass
The MISS SAIGON star will coach young vocalists at the Palladium in Carmel.
Lea Salonga, best known for her Tony Award-winning role in Miss Saigon and as the singing voices of Princess Jasmine in Aladdin and Fa Mulan in Mulan and Mulan II, will join five-time GRAMMY Award nominee Michael Feinstein, founder of the Great American Songbook Foundation, to lead the 2026 Songbook Academy Public Masterclass in July.
The Public Masterclass is one of three public events presented during the Songbook Academy, which brings 40 talented high school vocalists from around the country to Carmel each year for a week of professional mentoring, workshops and performances. During the event, the Songbook Foundation's flagship education program, Feinstein and Salonga will provide real-time feedback and coaching live on stage to 10 randomly selected Songbook Academy participants.
Free to the public and also viewable by livestream, the event starts at 2 p.m. Monday, July 13, at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts, 1 Carter Green, Carmel. Tickets and additional information are available now at TheSongbook.org or by calling the Fifth Third Bank Box Office at (317) 843-3800 or toll-free at (877) 909-2787.
Salonga is renowned worldwide for her powerful voice and acclaimed performances on stage and screen. In addition to the Tony, she has won Olivier, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle and Theatre World awards. She also made history as the first Asian actress to play Eponine in Les Misérables on Broadway and later returned to the production as Fantine. She starred in the Tony Award-winning Broadway revival of Once on This Island and also appeared on Broadway in Here Lies Love, Allegiance, Flower Drum Song and most recently in Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends alongside Bernadette Peters.
Fans of all ages recognize Salonga as the singing voice of Princess Jasmine and Fa Mulan, roles that earned her the distinction of Disney Legend. Her recent work includes Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin, the critically acclaimed musical-drama Yellow Rose, and Netflix's record-breaking animated film KPop Demon Hunters. Her recent concert tours have played to sold-out audiences across North America and the United Kingdom.
In addition to the Public Masterclass, the Songbook Academy will feature two other events at the Payne & Mencias Palladium, with tickets and livestream reservations available now:
Songbook Showcase
Thursday, July 16 | 7 p.m. ET
The Songbook Showcase offers all 40 participants of the Songbook Academy the opportunity to perform a solo on stage at the world-class Payne & Mencias Palladium. Audiences also will enjoy special appearances by Feinstein and Broadway star and previously announced guest mentor Mandy Gonzalez. Tickets are pay-what-you-can with a $5 minimum for in-person attendees and no minimum for livestream viewers.
Songbook Academy in Concert
Saturday, July 18 | 7 p.m. ET
Hosted by Feinstein, Songbook Academy in Concert is the culminating performance of the week, featuring standout solos and vibrant ensemble numbers that celebrate the growth of the students and reflect the breadth, diversity and timeless appeal of the Great American Songbook. The event is part of the BHI Senior Living Songbook Series and kicks off the 2026-2027 Center Presents Season sponsored by Allied Solutions. In-person tickets start at $25. Livestream access is pay-what-you-can with no minimum.
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