Rochester International Vocal Competition 2019 Semi-Finalists Announced
The Rochester Oratorio Society announced today that 20 semi-finalists have been selected for the Rochester International Vocal Competition. The newly-rebranded competition, now in its 13th year, culminates in final round gala performance, featuring live performances and real-time commentary from a panel of distinguished judges.
The semi-finalists are (in alphabetical order): Michael Aiello, Baritone; Alissa Andraski, Mezzo Soprano; Ezekiel Andrew, Baritone; Emily Baker, Soprano; Errin Brooks, Tenor; Maire Carmack, Mezzo Soprano; Bradley Christensen, Baritone; Aaron Crouch, Tenor; Emilie Faiella, Soprano; Lucy Fitz Gibbon, Soprano; Keely Futterer, Soprano; Rachel Holmes, Soprano; Jaeyeon Kim, Soprano; Julia Radosz, Soprano; Evelyn Saavedra, Soprano; Laura Sanders, Soprano; Yvonne Trobe, Soprano; Emily Tweedy, Soprano; Sara Womble, Soprano; Mengxi You, Soprano.
The contestants were selected from the largest application pool in the competition’s 13 year history, including applicants from 5 countries. Notable entries with ties to Rochester include Futterer (pictured above), a student of Kathryn Cowdrick at the Eastman School of Music, who tied for fourth prize in last year’s competition, and Ainello, who recently performed the title role in Eastman Opera Theatre’s production of Mozart’s “Don Giovanni.”
“What started as a showcase of local talent has expanded in to an internationally respected and highly regarded competition in the classical vocal world,” said Eric Townell, Artistic Director of the Rochester Oratorio Society. “We look forward to another year of outstanding talent.”
The final round gala, which serves as the signature fundraiser for the Rochester Oratorio Society, will be held on May 4, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. at Temple B’rith Kodesh in Brighton. The performance will feature 9 finalists as well as wine, hors d’oeuvres, desert, coffee, silent auction and raffle.
Judging the competition and offering entertaining, constructive commentary on each performance will include Metropolitan Opera baritone Jonathan Beyer, nationally-active pianist and vocal coach, Joel Harder, and Constance Fee, an internationally-experienced operatic soprano and vocal pedagogue. Townell will lead the panel in front of a live audience who will have the opportunity to vote for the Audience Favorite award.
Tickets are available at www.ROSsings.org or at (585) 743-2234.
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 gala event support the artistic and educational agenda of the Rochester Oratorio Society, which is producing the competition for the 13th year. For more information on the Rochester International Vocal Competition, visit www.ROSsings.org.
