The race to be among the chosen voices for Georgia Symphony's performance of Beethoven's 9th Symphony is nearing its crescendo. A dozen vocalists are preparing to quickly dazzle a panel of esteemed judges and a live audience with their renditions of the timeless classic this coming Sunday. According to the City of Marietta news release, the event, which runs from 3-5 p.m. at St. James Episcopal Church in Marietta, Ga, will be the stage where finalists vie for top honors in their respective voice categories.
The competition, opened to singers far and wide, culminates in not just a chance to shine alongside the Georgia Symphony Orchestra but also offers a sweet $2,000 honorarium, travel reimbursements, and hotel accommodations. GSO Music Director and Conductor Timothy Verville emphasized the inclusivity of the event, stating, “We created the competition in order to provide an equal and open opportunity for vocalists across the country to compete for an opportunity to perform with the Symphony, regardless of background.”
On the judging panel are heavyweights from the world of opera and orchestral music - Oral Moses, a celebrated bass/baritone vocalist and recording artist, Irena Sylya, a soprano star and Opera Panama's director, and the GSO's own Maestro Timothy Verville. Each finalist, selected through a highly competitive process, will get to demonstrate their vocal prowess in front of this trio of music royalty.
The lineup boasts a diverse array of talent with sopranos Sarah Heilman, Emma Robertson, and Yun Xie; altos Tetyana Vakhnovska, Maria McDaniel, and MunTzung Wong; tenors Alexander Adkins, William Green, and Matthew Perez; alongside bass/baritones Alexander Adams-Leytes, Wil Kellerman, and Jacob Lay ready to fiercely compete. Each will sing an excerpt from Beethoven's 9th Symphony and a personal musical selection, poised to leave a lasting impression and to perhaps secure a coveted soloist spot for the May concerts.
Tickets for those wanting to witness this vocal spectacle firsthand are modestly priced at $10, with further event details and online purchase options available through the GSO website. The community is encouraged to support these singers as they take the stage for what promises to be a Sunday afternoon filled with passionate performances and high stakes.
