How to spend your spring...

For AVA resident artists it is by winning vocal competitions. The wins have been many, and with a few competitions left in the season, I might have more to report next month.

The Licia Albenese - Puccini Foundation is one of the more important prizes given in New York City and this year’s prizes were received by to AVA resident artists. Tenor Bryan Hymel was the first place winner and soprano Jan Cornelius received the second prize.

Last weekend was the finals of the J.P. Opera Foundation in West Chester, Pennsylvania, and resident artist soprano Jessica Julin won first place and baritone Steven LaBrie won second. Mezzo-soprano Nina Yoshida Nelson won the audience choice award.

On the weekend of April 26, the Palm Beach Opera Vocal Competition took place, and AVA walked away with two second prizes. Soprano Angela Meade won second place in the Advanced Division, and Steven LaBrie received second place in the Junior Division.

Still lto come this season is the Loren L. Zachary Vocal Competition in Los Angeles. Both Angela Meade and Bryan Hymel are in the finals, which will be held in June.

Lastly, Angela Meade will participate in the finals of the Eleanor Lieber Awards, sponsored by the Portland Opera on May 16 and 18. Angela will be close to her hometown in Washington State, and promises to give a shout out to AVA alumna, Jeannine Cowles.