ROCHESTER, NY — The talents of voice/opera students from the Eastman School of Music take center stage in the fourth annual voice competition presented by the Friends of Eastman Opera — a volunteer group that supports Eastman Opera students, programs, and productions, and also promotes Eastman Opera Theatre in the Rochester community.
The competition began this week with a preliminary round consisting of 17 hopefuls nominated from the opera studio at the Eastman School. The top nine competitors will advance and then participate in the competition’s final round, which is free and open to the public, at 3 p.m., Saturday, November 20, in Kilbourn Hall (26 Gibbs Street).
Each singer must perform at least two arias, one in English and one in another language. They are vying for the Lynne Clarke Vocal Prize — the top honor — of $800, and other prizes of $500, $400, and $200. This year, Robert L. Larsen, artistic director of Des Moines Metro Opera, will serve as adjudicator of the competition.
The top three winners will be announced at the end of competition. A reception for all will be held on the School’s Cominsky Promenade immediately following the event.