Shine at Met Opera National Council Auditions
For Immediate Release February 29, 2008
Contact:
Tim Dougherty
805.695.7908
Santa Barbara, CA—In a development sure to add luster to the Music Academy of the West’s reputation as a top summer school for gifted young singers, three vocal performers affiliated with the Academy were among the five declared winners at the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions finalist concert, which took place February 24 in New York.
The winners included baritone Edward Parks, who attended the Music Academy in 2006 and will return this summer; mezzo-soprano Daveda Karanas, who also attended the Music Academy in 2006; and soprano Simone Osborne, who will attend the Music Academy this summer. The nine finalists also included baritone Stephen A. Ray, who attended the Music Academy last summer.
The Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions is one of the nation’s highest-profile voice competitions. Each year about 1,500 young singers perform in regional auditions around the country. The field is reduced in stages until the finalists are chosen to perform in a special afternoon concert with the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra.
Mr. Parks performed arias by Bizet and Korngold, Ms. Karanas performed arias by Meyerbeer and Purcell, and Ms. Osborne performed arias from Smetana’s “Bartered Bride” and Stravinsky’s “Rake’s Progress.” The New York Times’ Anthony Tommasini praised Ms. Osborne’s “clear and sweet sound, sensitive phrasing, and gleaming sustained high notes.”
“This impressive showing by former and future Music Academy Voice Fellows underscores the Academy’s stature as a premier training program for exceptionally talented singers,” said Music Academy President NancyBell Coe.
Founded in 1947, the Music Academy of the West is among the nation’s preeminent summer schools and festivals for gifted young classical musicians. The Academy provides these promising musicians with the opportunity for advanced study and frequent performance under the guidance of internationally renowned faculty artists, as well as guest conductors and soloists. Admission to the Academy is strictly merit based, and Fellows receive full scholarships (tuition, room, and board). Academy alumni are members of major symphony orchestras, chamber orchestras, ensembles, opera companies, and university and conservatory faculties throughout the world. Many enjoy careers as prominent solo artists. Based in Santa Barbara, the Music Academy of the West presents more than 175 public events annually, including performances by faculty, visiting artists, and Fellows; masterclasses; orchestra and chamber music concerts; and fully staged opera. For more information, visit www.musicacademy.org.
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