The original "Idol" competition Finals took place last Sunday at the Met. Talented opera singers from around the world competed for prize money and for the prestige, exposure and path to success that winning this competition provides. I have always found attendance at the Regionals in Boston to be quite heart-warming and inspiring. This was my first opportunity to attend the Finals at the Met.
This year 15,000 singers participated in 45 districts and 15 regions across the United States and Canada. There were nine finalists who participated in this last stage of the competition at the Met. Of these, five winners were selected.
The winners were: sopranos Rachel Willis-Sorensen, Leah Crocetto and Lori Guilbeau; baritone Nathaniel Peake and tenor Elliot Madore.
Joyce DiDonato was supposed to be the Host but was caught in bad weather and could not fly to New York City. Marilyn Horne replaced her as the host. Marco Armiliato who had conducted La Boheme the night before conducted the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra.
Frederica von Stade was the guest artist performing at what was billed as her last performance at the Met.
Congratulations to all those who participated in the Finals. I enjoyed all of the singing. Now, I am inspired to watch my copy of the DVD of "The Audition" which is the story of this competion a few years back.
I just bought "The Audition"; saw it a few months ago and wanted to share it with a friend. I just attended a bel canto concert where one of the "stars" of the film performed.
Posted by: Wendy | 09/17/2010 at 08:51 PM