Four thrilling voices emerged as rising stars in the Rochester Oratorio Society’s 13th annual Rochester International Vocal Competition final round, held before a live audience at Temple B’rith Kodesh on May 4.

First Prize went to Maire Carmack, a native of Seattle, Washington, whose performance of “Give him this orchid,” from “The Rape of Lucretia by Benjamin Britten,” left the capacity audience breathless. A mezzo-soprano, Carmack is an alumnae of the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs and the Eastman School of Music.

Taking Second Prize was soprano Emilie Faiella, a native of San Dimas, California who is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Voice Performance at Boston University. Her performance of a “Ah! Douce enfant” from “Cendrillon” by Jules Massenet was “perfection,” according to panelist, Constance Fee, Professor of Voice, Opera and Diction at Roberts Wesleyan College and a long-time judge for the Rochester International Vocal Competition. Faiella is a graduate of Azusa Pacific University and is a previous winner of the Metropolitan Opera National Council Encouragement Award and participant in Houston Grand Opera’s Young Artist Vocal Academy.

The Third Prize recipient was tenor Aaron Crouch, who offered a passionate rendition of Lensky’s area “Kuda, kuda, vi udalilis” from “Eugene Onegin” by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. Crouch, a native of Bowie, Maryland is currently an undergraduate student at the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia and at 20 was one of the youngest contestants in this year’s competition.

Fourth Prize was awarded to soprano Kelly Futterer, a student of Kathryn Cowdrick at the Eastman School of Music. Futterer, who sang “Bel raggio lusinghier” from “Semiramide” by Gioachino Rossini was also awarded the William Warfield Audience Favorite Award, having wowed the audience with dazzling coloratura passages and effortless high notes.

Judging the competition and offering entertaining, constructive commentary on each performance were Metropolitan Opera baritone Jonathan Beyer, nationally-active pianist and vocal coach, Joel Harder, and Fee, an internationally-experienced operatic soprano and vocal pedagogue. Oratorio Society Artistic Director Eric Townell, led the panel and adjudicated the preliminary round of 95 nationwide applicants, selecting 20 semi-finalists to compete in Rochester on May 3. The final round of nine contestants performed for an enthusiastic audience at Temple B’rith Kodesh, who voted for the William Warfield Audience Favorite award.

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.