Alisa Suzanne Jordheim Named Winner of Bel Canto Chorus Annual Regional Artists Competition

MILWAUKEE - June 10, 2015 - PRLog -- Bel Canto Chorus is pleased to announce that soprano Alisa Suzanne Jordheim of Appleton, Wisconsin is the winner of its 26th Annual Regional Artists Competition. Ten finalists competed on Saturday, May 9, 2015 at the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  Jordheim wins a $1,000 prize and a solo engagement with the Bel Canto Chorus for its 2015-2016 Season.

Judges for the competition were:  Richard Hynson, Music Director, Bel Canto Chorus ; Michelle Hynson, Assistant Conductor, Bel Canto Chorus; Zachary Durlam, Director of Choral Activities, University of Wisconsin Milwaukee; Kathy Pyeatt, Professional Singer;; and, Gregory Ruffer, President, Wisconsin Conservatory of Music.

Bel Canto Music Director Richard Hynson says, “While we had a superlative group of finalists competing in this year’s Regional Artist Competition, soprano Alisa Jordheim’s outstanding performance made her the unanimous favorite of the judges.  Ms. Jordheim sang beautifully, crafting each phrase with great expression using a crystalline, warm tone that effortlessly filled the performance space.  She is a true vocal artist. I am pleased to feature her in Bel Canto’s March 2016 Midwest premiere of Carson Cooman’s Revelations of Divine Love.”

Described as “vocally resplendent,” “powerful,” and possessing “impeccable coloratura” (San Francisco Chronicle, 2013), Alisa Suzanne Jordheim is praised for her compelling and vocally assured performances in opera, oratorio, musical theatre, and recital. A recent member of Florentine Opera’s studio, Ms. Jordheim has sung with Madison Opera, Cincinnati Opera, Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, Columbus Symphony Orchestra, Dayton Philharmonic, Merola Opera, among others.  She won 2nd place in the 2013 Auditions Plus Classical Singer Vocal Competition - Young Artist Division and the Edith Newfield Scholarship in the 2013 Musicians Club of Women Music Scholarship Competition in Chicago. She was the recipient of the 2012 Central City Opera Young Artist Award, winner of the 2012 and 2011 Wisconsin District Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions, a finalist in the Kurt Weill Foundation’s 2011 Lotte Lenya International Competition, and selected to represent the United States in the 2011 Queen Sonja International Competition in Oslo, Norway.  A native of Appleton, Wisconsin, Ms. Jordheim completed her first two years of undergraduate study at Lawrence University, where she studied with Patrice Michaels. She earned her Bachelor of Music, Master of Music, and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees in Voice Performance from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM).

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.

About Bel Canto Chorus
Founded in 1931, Bel Canto Chorus enriches the lives of its audiences and members through the presentation of fine choral music.  The group has been led for more than 26 years by Richard Hynson, considered one of the nation's finest choral and orchestral conductors (American Prize Winner 2012). Bel Canto Chorus ranks in the top ten percent of choral organizations in the country in terms of budget, longevity, and repertoire. Educational outreach includes Bel Canto Senior Singers and Bel Canto Boy Choir. Rehearsals are held at the Milwaukee Youth Arts Center. Characterized by a heartfelt belief in the value of Bel Canto Chorus, and supported by its 100+ devoted singers, audiences, talented artistic and administrative staff, and dedicated board members, the group's passion for sharing the thrill of live, choral music has remained steadfast throughout its long, proud history.

Contact information/interviews
For additional information, promotional photos, or interview requests, contact the Bel Canto office at (414) 481-8801.

Bel Canto Chorus          Administrative Offices
www.belcanto.org          158 N Broadway
(414) 481-8801          Milwaukee, WI 53202