The Rochester International Vocal Competition has announced that this year’s panel of judges will consist of Robert Mirshak, Susan Ashbaker, and Eric Townell.

As a passionate advocate for music business, Mirshak founded Mirshak Artists Management, a New York City based classical artist management agency, with the mission to make a positive difference in artists careers through work ethic, integrity and passion for the musical arts. He represents singers, as well as stage directors and conductors. Mirshak regularly frequents the speaker’s circuit, appearing to lecture at National Classical Singer Conventions and at the National Association of the Teachers of Singers, as well as the Opera in America convention. He has also worked with young artists programs across the United States and is a frequent vocal competition adjudicator.

Ashbaker, Director of Westminster Opera Theatre, has more than 30 years of experience in the performing arts. Not only does Ashbaker have experience as an artistic director, but she has also worked extensively as a vocal coach. This double vantage point allows Ashbaker the ability to set both opera companies and professional vocalists up for success. A frequent judge for the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions and former participant on the MET Quiz Show, Ms. Ashbaker has also participated as panelist with Opera America, New York State Council on the Arts, National Endowment for the Arts, judge for the Jensen Foundation, Marian Anderson Emerging Artist Competition and the Richard Tucker Foundation Auditions, among others.

Townell is an experienced and creative conductor of operatic, orchestral and choral repertoire from the Baroque period through the 21st Century. Since joining the Rochester Oratorio Society in 2006, he has led the ROS in subscription concerts, regional outreach performances, live radio broadcasts, a televised concert, collaborative concerts with the region’s leading arts organizations. His vision created the Rochester International Vocal Competition and has continued to drive the competition forward as a leading opportunity for young artists.

ABOUT THE ROCHESTER ORATORIO SOCIETY:

Founded in 1945, the Rochester Oratorio Society is the region’s leading choral ensemble. The Oratorio Society has toured the world, commissioned and premiered major works and collaborated with the region’s finest vocalists, instrumentalists and ensembles. The organization produces four to six performances annually as well as the Rochester International Vocal Competition, each spring. Information on the Oratorio Society and its productions may be found at www.rossings.org or at (585) 473-2234.

ABOUT ROCHESTER INTERNATIONAL VOCAL COMPETITION
The Rochester International Vocal Competition is widely regarded as an essential step to advanced careers in professional vocal performance. Proceeds from the annual event support the artistic and educational agenda of the Rochester Oratorio Society, which is producing the competition for the 15th year. For more information on the Rochester International Vocal Competition, visit www.ROSsings.org.