(February 28, 2012)
Mary Jacobs Smith Singer of the Year Competition March 3-4
SHREVEPORT, LA — The Shreveport Opera is hosting the Mary Jacobs Smith Singer of the Year Competition at Centenary College March 3-4. Both events are free and open to the public.
What: Semifinalist and Finalist Competition
When: Saturday, March 3, 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.; Sunday, March 4, 1:00 p.m.
Where: Anderson Auditorium, Hurley School of Music
The Mary Jacobs Singer of the Year Competition is Shreveport's only national singing competition. Contestants travel from all over the country to compete for titles and cash awards:
Mary Jacobs Smith Award 1st — $2,500
Charles Maggio Award 2nd — $2,000
Robert J. Murray Award 3rd — $1,500
Lorena Bessey Mangin Memorial Award 4th — $1,000
Joe Festervan Memorial Award 5th — $750
Rae Selber Memorial Award 6th — $500
Honorable Mentions — $250
Jennifer White Memorial Award
Katherine S. Tyrrell Award
Dr. and Mrs. Bob Robinson Award
Shreveport/Bossier Opera Guild Audience Choice Award
The audience will listen to 20 semifinalists on Saturday, and the judges will announce the finalists. Sunday, ten finalists will compete for the top prizes.
This year's judges include Darren Keith Woods, artistic director of the Fort Worth Opera; Luretta Bybee, executive director and chair, opera studies at the New England Conservatory of Music; and Greer Grimsley, international opera star and Wotan in the Metropolitan Opera production of The Ring Cycle in 2013.
Singers in the competition must have performed at least one major role with a university, summer vocal program, or professional opera company to qualify for competition.
For more information, call 318.227.9503.