For 40 years the Loren L. Zachary National Vocal Competition has proved to be the starting point for some of the most successful opera singers of our time. Founded in 1973 by the late Viennese-born doctor Loren L. Zachary and his admirably engaged wife Nedra, this vocal competition has long been ranked among the leading talent showcases in the world.
The Finals Concert at the Wilshire Ebell Theatre in Los Angeles on May 19 featured once again nine exceptionally talented young singers on the verge of an international career. The total prize money of over 56,000 dollars was well distributed among them.
The first prize of 12,500 dollars went to the bass Scott Conner, an Artist in Residence at the Academy of Vocal Arts in Philadelphia. Future engagements will lead him to the Semper Oper in Dresden and the Opera De Lille in France. Two other baritones, Wes Mason and Eugene Brancoveanu, the audience favorite and the oldest participant at age 34, garnered a top spot among the first six winners. Brandon Cedel, an early favorite to win the competition, had to withdraw due to illness. Mezzo-soprano Olivia Vote won second prize. Soprano Chloe Moore, also a graduate of the Vocal Arts Academy in Philadelphia, took home the third prize, followed by 21-year-old
Anush Avetisyan, who – at age 21 – proved to be a gifted singer and interpreter beyond her years. Led by Maestro Frank Fetta, the Los Angeles Performing Arts Orchestra provided skilled accompaniment to this exquisite selection of winners and future opera stars.
– By Nina Wachenfeld
For more information how to support the Zachary Society or for upcoming events visit www.zacharysociety.org
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