Nicholas Masters and More Honored at 2013 Dallas Opera Guild Vocal Competition

The Winspear Opera House at the AT&T Performing Arts Center was the scene of a celebration this evening as The Dallas Opera Guild presented a rich variety of homegrown talent competing for top prizes in the 25th Annual "Dallas Opera Guild Vocal Competition," an on-stage showcase for young opera singers with Texas connections.

28-year-old bass Nicholas Masters, a second-year member of the Houston Grand Opera Studio who received his Bachelor's degree from McGill University in Montreal, Quebec, Canada before completing graduate level studies at Yale University School of Music and Philadelphia's Academy of Vocal Arts (AVA) was a Filene Young Artist at Wolf Trap Opera, where he sang roles in Il ritorno d'Ulisse and La bohème. Since that time, Mr. Masters has performed and covered a variety of roles for HGO, including Don Basilio, the Monk in Don Carlos, Dr. Grenvil (La traviata) and Colline.

This year, he was one of 22 semi-finalists for the Teatro Colon Concurso Internacional de Canto in Buenos Aires, Argentina. In 2011, Mr. Masters attracted international attention in a bevy of competitions: as a National Grand Finalist for the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions; second prize winner (general division) in the Gerda Lissner Foundation International Vocal Competition; and as a finalist and recipient of encouragement awards from the 2011 Opera Index, Licia Albanese-Puccini Foundation, and George London Foundation.

The New York City native commanded centerstage this evening with a rendition of "Si, vi sarà...Deh! ti ferma" from Rossini's Semiramide which drew audible gasps of astonishment from the audience. His second selection (chosen by the judges) was a deftly performed "Bottom's Dream" from Britten's A Midsummer Night's Dream.

During the afternoon semi-finals, Mr. Masters performed a cavatina from Rachmaninoff's Aleko and "La Calunnia" from Rossini's IL Barbiere di Siviglia (The Barber of Seville).

His $10,000 First Prize, the first annual Bessylee Penland First Place Award, was presented to Nicholas Masters by this year's honorees, Katherine and Michael Phillips.

The additional $1,500 People's Choice Award was underwritten this year by Neil D. Oxford (in memory of Francine Burrows Werbin), who presented the award to Mr. Masters after all the audience votes had been tallied.

The award for Second Place ($7,000) went to 23-year-old bass-baritone Matthew Stump, a graduate of Luther College in Iowa, now pursuing a graduate degree at the University of North Texas College of Music under the direction of Dr. Stephen F. Austin. He is a four-time NATS competition winner (National Association of Teachers of Singing), Brudos Opera Prize winner and Winspear Scholar.

Mr. Stump's roles in student productions have included Figaro, Mercutio, Frank Maurrant (Kurt Weill's Street Scene), and Don Alfonso.

Tonight, the Indiana native performed "Let Things be Like They Always Was" from Street Scene as well as a devilish delivery of "Vous qui faites l'endormie" from Gounod's Faust. Earlier in the day, Mr. Stump impressed in the semi-finals round with renditions of the Catalogue Aria ("Madamina, il catalogo è questo") from Mozart's Don Giovanni and "Vecchia zimarra" from Puccini's La bohème.

The cash prize was presented to Mr. Stump by Dallas Opera Guild Presidents Enika and Richard Schulze. Both Mr. Masters and Mr. Stump were accompanied by pianist Julian Reed.

The Third Place Award and a $5,000 cash prize went to 26-year-old soprano Audra Methvin, who wowed the crowd with "Adieu, notre petite table" from Massenet's Manon and a paprika-flavored "Klänge der Heimat," Rosalinda's Czárdás from Die Fledermaus by Johann Strauss II.
Now living in Levelland, Texas, Ms. Methvin is a recent graduate of Eastern New Mexico University and a Studio Artist (2010-2011) at Central City Opera in Colorado. She was a finalist in last year's Guild competition (and the year before), as well as First Place Winner in the 2012 Vocal Artistry in Song Competition, and she has performed on several occasions with the Boulder, Colorado Symphony.

During today's semi-finals round, she also performed "Senza mamma" from Puccini's Suor Angelica accompanied by pianist Jason Smith. Ms. Methvin's award was presented by Dr. Susan Fleming, a longtime supporter of this competition.

Additionally, the remaining seven 2013 finalists were honored with $200 grants:

· Dee Donasco, age 30, soprano

· Steven Eddy, age 27, baritone

· Calvin Griffin, age 23, bass-baritone

· Amanda Kingston, age 29, soprano

· Kristen Lassiter, age 28, soprano

· Samuel Schultz, age 26, baritone

· Meghan Tarkington, age 27, soprano

"This year as the Dallas Opera Guild Vocal Competition Chair has been the most rewarding, exhilarating volunteer position I have ever held," says Sharon Bird Stupp. "I have gained such respect for these talented, dedicated young singers. An individual's voice is such an integral part of their being, and they courageously put their voice 'out there' to be judged and found worthy. They have my total and complete admiration."

Nineteen semi-finalists (aged 22 to 30) chosen from a field of sixty-seven qualified applicants competed for thousands of dollars in prize monies in this exciting annual competition ($19,000 was awarded in 2007, 2009, and 2010; $20,500 in 2011; $20,000 in 2012). Competitors have to be either current Texas residents or out-of-state residents attending a Texas college or university.

The 2013 Distinguished Panel of Judges:

· Laura Canning, Director of Houston Grand Opera Studio

· Sheri Greenawald, Opera Center Director, San Francisco Opera

· Lenore Rosenberg, Associate Artistic Administrator, Metropolitan Opera

· Brad Woolbright, Director of Artistic Administration, Santa Fe Opera

· And from The Dallas Opera, Artistic Director Jonathan Pell, who also acts as artistic advisor to this eagerly anticipated annual competition.

"Everyone views the Dallas Opera Guild Vocal Competition as a tremendous opportunity for gifted young opera singers with Texas ties," says Mr. Pell. "However, the fact is, this is just as significant an opportunity for those of us in the field to gauge the next generation of singing talent, as it is a chance for these young artists to shine.

"My commitment to this competition grows year-by-year," he adds, "because I've seen its incredible impact on lives, as well as careers."

"Previous winners have built upon the encouragement and financial support they received to earn spots in prestigious young artists' programs and advance in their studies at leading vocal institutes," explained Vocal Competition Chair Sharon Bird Stupp. "Many who received early recognition here have gone on to stellar international careers, award-winning roles on Broadway, and prestigious debuts and teaching positions."

The 25th Annual Dallas Opera Guild Vocal Competition honored Katherine and Michael Phillips, who have been actively involved with numerous civic and arts organizations including The Dallas Opera, The Dallas Opera Guild and The Dallas Opera Women's Board for many seasons. Mr. Phillips also serves on The Dallas Opera Board. Both Katherine and Michael have won the respect of their peers for their tireless contributions of time, talent, energy and resources.
Michael Phillips expressed his admiration for the collaborative nature of this art form in his opening remarks tonight: "Almost every form of artistic expression is brought to focus on the opera stage to build the framework that showcases these magnificent singers and musicians."

"This is a terrific place to celebrate these talented young artists," Phillips explained earlier in the day, "because this is where they one day hope to be-performing great opera centerstage at the Winspear."

The Underwriting Co-Chairmen for the event were Martha Allday and Sandi Ciarochi.

Preliminary judges for this year's competition included Dallas Opera Music Director of Education and Family Programming and Adjunct Faculty at the University of North Texas Mary Dibbern; Donnie Ray Albert, International Performer and Interim Lecturer in Voice at the University of Texas at Austin; and Dr. Stephen Dubberly, Opera Music Director at the University of North Texas.

The singers in both the semi-final and finals rounds were accompanied by Dallas Opera pianist and vocal coach Julian Reed, accompanist and faculty vocal coach Jason Smith from Southern Methodist University, among others.

The Dallas Opera Guild's Vocal Competition, not only provides vital assistance to the young opera stars of tomorrow, but also creates an outstanding opportunity for people from throughout the community to hear exceptional up-and-coming talents, in free performances in a magnificent setting.

The Additional Semi-Finalists were:

· Robert Cardwell, age 28, baritone

· Stephen Carroll, age 25, tenor

· Sergio Cepeda, age 25, tenor

· Nereida García, age 30, soprano

· Emily Caroline Hagens, age 22, soprano

· Jeawook Lee, age 29, tenor

· Nan Qin, age 26, bass-baritone

· Hannah Rigg, age 24, soprano

· Claire Shackleton, age 27, mezzo-soprano

This free, spring musical event has become a favorite among opera aficionados and vocal music lovers across North Texas. For additional information about the 25th Annual Dallas Opera Guild Vocal Competition or upcoming Dallas Opera Guild programs and special events, contact The Dallas Opera Guild at 214-443-1040.

Single tickets for the remaining mainstage productions of the Dallas Opera's "Pursuits of Passion" Season are on sale now, starting at just $19, through the Dallas Opera Ticket Services Office at 214.443.1000 or online at www.dallasopera.org. Student Rush best-available tickets can be purchased at the lobby box office for $25 (one per valid Student I.D.) ninety minutes prior to each performance.

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