Senior Hits the Right Notes
Lukas Palys ’25 won first place at the regional Schmidt Vocal Competition at Northwestern University on Oct. 13 and will advance to the national contest to be held in June in Sarasota, Florida. Watch a recording below of Lukas performing his winning aria: "Come Paride Vezzoso” from the opera L'elisir d'amore (The Elixir of Love) by Gaetano Donizetti.
The win marks the latest achievement for the baritone, who has earned honors in multiple vocal contests in recent years, including being named a YoungArts Winner of Distinction. He has also appeared in several productions with The Dallas Opera; his first performance was in 2019 as a member of the children’s chorus in Carmen.
At St. Mark’s, Lukas is an integral member of the choir and theater – including his upcoming role as Sky Masterson in the St. Mark’s production of Guys & Dolls.
“In choir almost every day, I hone my musical ability through learning to sing with others and learning to sight read music,” Lukas said. “In general, St. Mark’s and its community has been so uplifting to me as a young singer. Everyone around me is with me every step of the way.”
In addition to his prolific vocal career, Lukas is also involved across campus. He served as director of the 2024 Literary Festival and has represented St. Mark’s in Latin language competitions since Middle School.
“From St. Mark’s, I’ve learned the work ethic to balance my time between school and music and to seek excellence in both disciplines,” Lukas said. “St. Mark’s also teaches the value of courage, something I remember whenever I go on stage. Singing is a vulnerable act.”
Lukas said that the character-based education he receives at St. Mark’s helps him view his passion for singing in an important light.
“I’ve learned that singing is truly an act of communication to serve others,” Lukas said. “I perform for those around me, not for myself. Singing, for me, is a manifestation of that fundamental lesson of St. Mark’s. I sing as an act of service to bring the community together.”
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The win marks the latest achievement for the baritone, who has earned honors in multiple vocal contests in recent years, including being named a YoungArts Winner of Distinction. He has also appeared in several productions with The Dallas Opera; his first performance was in 2019 as a member of the children’s chorus in Carmen.
At St. Mark’s, Lukas is an integral member of the choir and theater – including his upcoming role as Sky Masterson in the St. Mark’s production of Guys & Dolls.
“In choir almost every day, I hone my musical ability through learning to sing with others and learning to sight read music,” Lukas said. “In general, St. Mark’s and its community has been so uplifting to me as a young singer. Everyone around me is with me every step of the way.”
In addition to his prolific vocal career, Lukas is also involved across campus. He served as director of the 2024 Literary Festival and has represented St. Mark’s in Latin language competitions since Middle School.
“From St. Mark’s, I’ve learned the work ethic to balance my time between school and music and to seek excellence in both disciplines,” Lukas said. “St. Mark’s also teaches the value of courage, something I remember whenever I go on stage. Singing is a vulnerable act.”
Lukas said that the character-based education he receives at St. Mark’s helps him view his passion for singing in an important light.
“I’ve learned that singing is truly an act of communication to serve others,” Lukas said. “I perform for those around me, not for myself. Singing, for me, is a manifestation of that fundamental lesson of St. Mark’s. I sing as an act of service to bring the community together.”
St. Mark’s School of Texas
10600 Preston Road
Dallas, Texas 75230
214-346-8000
Dallas, Texas 75230
214-346-8000
About Us
St. Mark’s School of Texas is a private, nonsectarian college-preparatory boys’ day school for students in grades 1 through 12, located in Dallas, Texas. St. Mark’s aims to prepare young men to assume leadership and responsibility in a competitive and changing world.
St. Mark’s does not discriminate in the administration of its admission and education policies on the basis of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, or national or ethnic origin.
St. Mark’s does not discriminate in the administration of its admission and education policies on the basis of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, or national or ethnic origin.
