The 13th Stockton Opera Guild Kathe Underwood Scholarship Competition was held February 23, 2013 at the historic St. John’s Anglican Church, with judges Layna Chianakas of San Jose State University and Gregory Mason, formerly with the Sacramento Opera.
Underwood Scholarship applicants are required to reside in or attend school in San Joaquin County and each age group has requirements regarding what they are to sing. All competitors bring a piano accompanist.
Bianca Orsi, a senior at Stockton’s St. Mary’s High School, won first place in Section One and a prize of $300 for her renditions of Britten’s “The Sally Gardens” and Arditi’s “Il Bacio.” Her career objective is “to obtain a Bachelor of Music in vocal performance with an emphasis in opera studies at an accredited institution.”
Rebekah Thomas, a student at Stockton’s Lincoln High School, took second place and Robyn Glover, of East Union High School in Manteca, won third place. Each won a $150 prize.
Three college age singers also received awards. First place prize of $1000 was awarded University of Pacific student Sarah Phelan who sang Massenet’s “Frere Voyez Du Gai Soleil” and Handel’s “Chio mai vi possa.” She hopes to continue performing while teaching middle and high school choir.
Second prize award of $750 went to Madelaine Matej who is attending University of the Pacific with a major in voice. She performed Britten’s “Flora’s Lullaby,” Dowland’s “Come Again, Sweet Love” Handel’s “Va godendo.”
Third prize award of $500 went to Erika Weil who also attends University of the Pacific. She sang Johann Strauss’s “Spielich die Unschuld,” Verdi’s “Sul fil d’un soffio etesio,” and Britten’s “Be Kind and Courteous.”
The Stockton Opera Guild began awarding scholarships in 2000. In addition to cash awards, winners are invited to appear at Stockton Opera Guild functions throughout the year, helping to foster the accomplishments and goals of talented, hardworking young artists in our community.
This year’s competition was chaired by Carolyn Pometta . Committee members were Janet Bonner, Betty MacRae, Janet Bonner, Ellen Schuler, Shirley Graese, and Yvonne Brown, all members of the Stockton Opera Guild.
To learn more about this and other annual opera events here in Stockton, please visit www.stocktonoperaguild.org.