Sealord Aria Competition Sat 19th

Sealord Aria Competition 8pm Nelson School of Music Sat 19th

Seven of the New Zealand's top emerging opera singers will gather in Nelson this weekend for the annual Sealord Aria Competition.

Jan Smith, from the Nelson Performing Arts Competitions says Sealord Aria is now in its third year.

"It has gained a reputation around the universities, where most of our entrants come from," she said. "This year we have promising soprano Paloma Bruce from Auckland and tenor Stephen Chambers from Dunedin who is here for his third time, and has just been accepted to go to the Boston Conservatory."

The youngest entrant is Nelson singer Jody McDonald who is only 18 years old.

Sealord support for the aria competition offers a prize of $3000 for first place winner, and $500 for second. The winner of the contest is also contracted to perform at Sealord Night with the Stars held annually at Saxton Field, Nelson, in late summer.

Pete Rainey, Artistic Director of Sealord Night with the Stars said Sealord Aria was a great opportunity for opera lovers.

"The significant prize money and the promise of involvement with Night with the Stars ensures a top line up. It is a fabulous opportunity for young singers, and gives us all a great night's entertainment."

This competition was initiated in 1984 by Nelson singing teacher Pamela Sims and has been part of the formative experience for many notable young opera stars including Teddy Tahu Rhodes, Simon O'Neill, and Anna Leese, who won in 2001 and went on to win the Mobil Song Quest.

Sealord Aria is on this Saturday, August 19th at the Nelson School of Music. Tickets $20 at the School of Music or $10 for seniors and students.

ENDS

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