Voices of Our Time: Vocal Competition All-Stars Program

A MESSAGE FROM
the President
Included in the vision statement of the
Annapolis Opera Company are these words,
“a vehicle for the development of emerging
performing arts professionals.”
This aspiration is foundational to our
existence. In many ways it is the heartbeat
that drives our work. Nowhere is this seen
more definitively than in our annual Vocal
Competition. More will be said about the
vocal competition in future notes, but this
year’s Voices of Our Time concert features several ‘all-stars’ from
previous competitions. We’re delighted to have them return to the
stage here in Annapolis, in concert, together.
This promises to be a special afternoon as tenor Lawrence Barasa,
soprano Katerina Burton, mezzo-soprano Winona Martin, and bassbaritone
Jason Zacher demonstrate why they were winners in past
years. It is gratifying to watch them develop their artistry, expand
their portfolios, and build solid, sustainable careers doing what they
love and have worked so hard to attain. As we know, opera singers
study for years developing their technique, musicality, and vocal
stamina, while developing impressive dynamic control.
The end result of all of this is that we, the audience, are the winners
as we enjoy and marvel at their virtuosity and experience the pure
joy that comes from this unique and challenging art form. Bravi to
the winners and to those of us who support them.
Rev. Dr. Carletta Allen
President
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