(FORT LEE, NJ) -- Baritone Sol Jin from Fort Lee, New Jersey received first place in the the New Jersey Association of Verismo Opera's 27th Annual International Vocal Competition. Jin was also awarded a $2,000 prize. Bass baritone Geeseop Kim, also from Fort Lee, and soprano Dr. Jody Doktor from Milltown were named finalists.
Tenor Emmett O'Hanlon from Manhasset, New York, was awarded second place and a $1,000 prize. Soprano Janani Sridhar from New London, Connecticut received third place and a $500 prize. Other finalists were: soprano Nita Baxani from Bronx, New York; baritone Elijah Blaisdell from Roslindale, Massachusetts; and bass Nathan Resika from Valhalla, New York.
Sol Jin and the other winners will be recognized and receive their awards and prizes at the organization's debut of Amilcare Ponchielli's La Gioconda on April 17 at 3:00 p.m. at the Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC), located at 30 North Van Brunt Street in Englewood, New Jersey. All finalists are given the opportunity to perform in Verismo Opera's fully staged upcoming productions. Finalist Nathan Resika will perform the role of Alvise Badoera, a leader of the Inquisition, in La Gioconda.
Earlier this year, finalists attended free master classes taught by Amara and La Quaif, culminating with finals conducted at Liederkranz Hall in New York City. They received critical feedback; extensive free coaching on language, style and presentation; and the prospect to perform in Verismo Opera's fully staged upcoming productions. An illustrious panel of judges adjudicated the final round of the competition made up of the New Jersey Association of Verismo Opera's Principal Conductor/Music Director Lucy Arner, Ken Benson from Ken Benson Artists, tenor Cesare Santeramo and conductor Joseph Rescigno.
The annual international competition offered these rising opera stars an opportunity to develop their careers, participate in master classes, receive essential feedback, and perform in a professional setting. During the preliminary auditions, all applicants were offered the opportunity to attend a free master class.
Verismo Opera launched the competition with preliminary auditions held in November 2015 at bergenPAC's Drapkin Cabaret & Lounge. A panel comprised of Ms. Amara, Ms. La Quaif, and Anthony Morss, Emeritus Music Director/Principal Conductor, New Jersey Association of Verismo Opera judged the preliminary auditions.
About New Jersey Association of Verismo Opera
For 27 years, the New Jersey Association of Verismo Opera has been an integral part of the region’s classical music culture. Led by Metropolitan Opera luminary Lucine Amara, Verismo Opera delivers a rich, grand opera experience for performers and viewers.
As the Bergen Performing Arts Center's house opera company, Verismo Opera provides performing opportunities for young musicians and artists through its semi-annual productions at the theatre and concerts held in community settings. Community members are invited to get involved as supernumeraries and volunteers.
An annual international vocal competition is conducted in November with finals generally drawing artists throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe. Verismo Opera also organizes opera workshops, master classes and concerts and offers affordable, highly professional productions.
For more information, visit Verismo Opera's web site, www.verismopera.org.
