Clara Osowski Named Winner of Bel Canto Chorus Annual Regional Artists Competition

MILWAUKEE - May 20, 2014 - PRLog -- Bel Canto Chorus is pleased to announce that mezzo-soprano Clara Osowski of Minneapolis, Minnesota is the winner of its 25th Annual Regional Artists Competition. Twelve finalists competed on Saturday, May 3^rd, 2014 at the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  Osowski wins a $1,000 prize and a solo engagement with the Bel Canto Chorus for its 2014-2015 season.

Judges for the competition were Eduardo Garcia-Novelli, Music Director, Master Singers of Milwaukee and Director of Choral Activities, Carthage College; Michelle Hynson, Assistant Conductor, Bel Canto Chorus; Richard Hynson, Music Director, Bel Canto Chorus and Milwaukee Chamber Orchestra; Pasquale Laurino, Music Director, Racine Symphony Orchestra; Francesco Lecce-Chong, Associate Conductor, Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra; Kevin McMahon, Music Director, Sheboygan and Wheaton Symphony Orchestras; and Gregory Ruffer, President, Wisconsin Conservatory of Music.

“I am truly thrilled to be named Bel Canto's 2014 Regional Artist,” said Osowski. “I look forward to performing with Bel Canto Chorus next season.”

Bel Canto Music Director Richard Hynson praised Osowski for her “beautiful, creamy color” and has contracted her to perform in Bach’s St. Matthew Passion with Bel Canto Chorus in March of 2015.

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.

Hailed for her artistry and rich mezzo color, Clara Osowski shares her musicianship equally between the opera stage and recital hall.  Select opera credits include Ruth (Pirates of Penzance), Zita (Gianni Schicchi), Mother (Amahl and the Night Visitors), and Dorabella (Cosi fan tutte). She was a 2012 Metropolitan Opera National Council Upper-Midwest Regional Finalist, and a runner-up in the Schubert Club Bruce P. Carlson Scholarship Competition.  Osowski is featured with a variety of ensembles in the Twin Cities, including the VocalEssence Ensemble Singers, Consortium Carissimi, and Silver Swan. She holds degrees from the University of Iowa (Master of Arts Degree in Voice) and North Dakota State University (Bachelor of Musical Arts with an emphasis in Voice).

Now in its 83^rd 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.