The New Jersey Association of Verismo Opera announced eight winners and finalists in the New Jersey Association of Verismo Opera 2013 Annual International Vocal Competition. Ewa Plonka, a mezzo-soprano from Austin, Texas, received first place and a $2,000 award. Young Joo An, a baritone from New York, New York, was awarded second place and a $1,000 prize. Baritone Robert-Heepyoung Oh from Binghamton, New York received third place and a $500 prize.
The finalists were baritone Jonathan Scott from Springfield, New Jersey; soprano Sara Beth Pearson from Teaneck, New Jersey; tenor Oswaldo Iraheta from Edgewater, New Jersey; tenor Brent Reilly Turner from New York, New York; and soprano Jing Zhang from New York, New York.
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The Fort Lee, New Jersey based opera company’s annual international competition offered a very unique opportunity for up and coming vocalists to develop their careers, participate in master classes, receive essential feedback, and perform in a professional setting. Applicants were drawn throughout the United States, Canada, Italy, and Germany.
The competition began in November, 2013 with preliminary auditions held in New York City, culminating with finals and master classes conducted throughout February, 2014 at Liederkranz Hall. An illustrious panel of judges adjudicated the competition made up of Ken Benson, Francisco Casanova, Nedda Casei, Anthony Morss, Joseph Rescigno, and Cesare Santeramo. Finalists attended master classes taught by Verismo Opera Artistic Director Lucine Amara and General Manager/Stage Director Evelyn La Quaif.
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Iraheta and Scott will perform in Verismo Opera’s new, lavish production of Giuseppe Verdi’s La Traviata on April 6 at 3:00 p.m. at the Bergen Performing Arts Center in Englewood, New Jersey. Scott and Iraheta will assume the roles of Giorgio Germont and Alfredo Germont, respectively.
For more information about the New Jersey Association of Verismo Opera and the 2013 Annual International Vocal Competition, visit the organization’s web site, follow the company on Facebook or Twitter @NJVerismoOpera, or call (201) 886-0561.
