Results of Czech Slovak competition
Four semi-finalists from last weekend’s Czech and Slovak voice competition have advanced to the finals in Montreal, where Prof. Sarah Meredith Livingston is judging the competition. Antonina Chekovskaya and Olivia Betzen, both of Ann Arbor, Mich., advanced, as did Benjamin Sieverding of Sioux Falls, S.D. and Anne Slovin of Chicago. In addition, the Sharon and Dick Resch Foundation presented $500 scholarship award to the following six singers for their excellent work: UW-Green Bay Assistant Prof. Courtney Sherman, Ian Koziara, Alexander Turpin, Maari Ernits, Shawn Mlynek and Kylie Toomer. Semi-finals are taking place today and tomorrow; the final round will be held Friday in Montreal.
More on competition: A first-hand account, and a short TV piece
WFRV, Channel 5 Critic-at-Large Warren Gerds found last week’s vocal competition at UW-Green Bay to be a fascinating, high-pressure contest showcasing a deep well of vocal talent from across the country. “What transpires is fascinating. This is singing in rare air of the musical atmosphere. These singers are years in the making – hour upon hour of studying, practicing, perfecting, sometimes performing in public, building block after block of knowledge and experience with a goal of establishing a professional career and savoring the accolades of crowds after a performance in a glorious performance hall. These singers are collegiate level, graduate level and professional level….” It’s a wonderfully descriptive piece; read more.
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TV-26 coverage: TV-26 talked to vocalist Olivia Betzen — one of the competitors who advanced to the next round in Montreal — and also included a short clip of her performance in their report – click here.
