Opera aficionados and classical music neophytes alike, mark your calendars for what's shaping up to quickly become the community's most talked-about showcase of vocal prowess. The Caine College of the Arts Department of Music is soon to host its annual Aria Competition, slated for Feb. 10 at 7:30 p.m., according to USU Today. And this isn't your run-of-the-mill talent show, the event will prominently feature the college's voice major students, meticulously curated to demonstrate both their skill and the dramatic depth of opera.
In what's expected to not only highlight the students' artistry but also draw the community closer to the rich traditions of opera, the performers will take the stage in Russell/Wanlass Performance Hall under the scrutiny of expert judge and renowned baritone Andrew Garland. He might just have the most challenging job of the evening, selecting a winner who will snag a $500 tuition discount for the next semester. "Every one of these arias that will be performed will have high emotions portrayed in them," Voice Area Coordinator Thomas Glenn said, as per USU Today. The implication is clear, attendees should prepare to potentially be moved, maybe deeply, by what they hear.
But this isn't all about the technique and the drama. It's also about the interaction. Audience members, you're not just there to watch and listen, you're part of the action. The competition has structured into its very fabric an "Audience Favorite" award, giving attendees a chance to cast their vote and honor one performer whose delivery resonates the most with them. To truly make art accessible, admission is free, inviting anyone with even a passing interest in the power of the human voice to come and experience these arias that traverse various operatic periods.
