Bel Canto Chorus Announces Winner of Annual Regional Artists Competition

MILWAUKEE - April 26, 2013 - PRLog -- Milwaukee – Bel Canto Chorus is pleased to announce the winner of its 24th Annual Regional Artists Competition. Ten finalists competed on Saturday, April 13, 2013 at the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music in Milwaukee, WI.

Soprano Sarah Richardson of Milwaukee, WI has been named the winner of this year’s competition. Richardson won a $1,000 prize and a solo engagement with the Bel Canto Chorus for its 2013-2014 season.

Judges for the competition were Ernest Brusubardis III, Music Director, Waukesha Choral Union; Richard Carsey, Conductor; William Florescu, General Director, Florentine Opera Company; Brian Groner, Music Director, Fox Valley Symphony Orchestra; Michelle Hynson, Assistant Conductor, Bel Canto Chorus; Richard Hynson, Music Director, Bel Canto Chorus and Milwaukee Chamber Orchestra; Lucia Matos, Music Director, Illinois Valley Symphony Orchestra; James Nowak, Director of Choral Activities, Wisconsin Lutheran College.

“I am truly honored to be named Bel Canto's 2013 Regional Artist,” said Richardson. “I look forward to performing with Bel Canto Chorus next season.”

“Though the field of finalists was particularly strong this season, Sarah Richardson’s beautifully sung, emotionally engaging performance really impressed the judges,” said Richard Hynson. “She will be a fabulous addition to next season’s performance.”

The Bel Canto Regional Artists Competition was established to encourage and support singers who reside in or originate from Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, and Ohio. Previous winners of the competition have gone on to perform with nationally recognized organizations throughout the United States and Europe, including the Metropolitan Opera.

Sarah Richardson has performed with Milwaukee Opera Theatre, Kalliope Vocal Arts, Ensemble Musical Offering, East Side Chamber Players, Milwaukee Choral Artists, Door County Opera, and Music by the Lake – Williams Bay, WI. She has won the Wisconsin N.A.T.S Competition – Graduate and Junior Women Divisions, and has been a finalist in The Auditions plus Vocal Competition, The American Prize in Vocal Performance, and Schubert Club Competition.  Richardson holds degrees from the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee (Master of Music Performance) and Viterbo University (Bachelor of Music Performance).

Now in its 82nd year, Bel Canto Chorus is Milwaukee’s premier independent choral organization. Founded in 1931, Bel Canto is committed to enriching the lives of its audiences and singing members through the outstanding live presentation of high quality choral music.