The University of Nebraska-Lincoln announced that Justin Payne won the Concerto Competition. Payne performed “What Does He Know of Dreams?” an aria from the opera “Highway 1, U.S.A. ” by composer William Grant Still. It is considered one of his most prominent works that explores the African American experience in the United States; the character Nate sings the aria as he reflects on the disconnect between someone who has never faced hardship and the dreams of those who have endured struggles. He will perform with the orchestra at the Hixon-Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts in March of 2025.

Professor Payne is a full-time voice faculty member at the University of Nebraska-Omaha and a doctoral student at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.