University of St. Thomas to host Fifth Annual Lois Alba Aria Competition 5/1, 5/2

Soma International Foundation, Inc., in collaboration with co-sponsor University of St. Thomas, presents the Fifth Annual Lois Alba Aria Competition on May 1-2, at Cullen Hall, University of St. Thomas in Houston, Texas.

Lois Alba, a soprano with an international career, founded the competition to offer aspiring opera singers the opportunity to be heard by distinguished musicians, to perform on stage for a live audience, and a chance to win prize monies to help further their studies and careers. "When I started to teach, I realized how few outlets there are for young singers. The competition seemed like a great way to help the next generation of singers," said Alba, author of Vocal Rescue - Rediscover the Beauty, Power and Freedom in Your Singing. "Because things are very difficult right now with the economy, competitions are more important than ever."

Every year, Alba brings in top judges who represent a diversified cross section of the classical music community to adjudicate the competition. "We look for people who understand the human voice," said Alba.

This year's judges include Orival Bento-Gonçalves, a Brazilian bass and winner of the Bidú Sayão International Vocal Competition in 2001; William Buhidar, noted freelance conductor and educator at University of Texas-Pan American; and Mary Jane Johnson, artist professor at Amarillo College, who has sung on the stages of The Metropolitan Opera in New York, Opera Bastille of Paris and Teatro alla Scala in Milan.

Alba is thrilled to have University of St. Thomas hosting the competition. "We are so fortunate to have their support," said Alba. "They are terrific hosts, and we look forward to this collaboration."

Alba is proud of the friendly atmosphere she has created, where performance stress is kept to a minimum. "Singers are already vulnerable, so we aim to nurture and support our singers," said Alba. "When they arrive from all over the country, they are greeted like old friends. We welcome each singer with open arms and take care of all the details. We want singers to come to Houston and feel as if they can sing their best."

Today, Alba finds the competition experience to be just as exciting as her stage career. Last year, Houston Mayor Bill White recognized her work by proclaiming May 2 Lois Alba Day. "I see the competition as an extension of my teaching," she said. "This is my legacy."

Singers who wish to enter the competition can obtain an application form and guidelines at www.somainfo.org. Application deadline is March 6, 2010.

The Lois Alba Aria Competition Finals & Awards Program will be Sunday, May 2, 3pm - 6pm, at St. Thomas University's Cullen Hall, 4001 Mt. Vernon, Houston, Texas 77006.
Tickets are $25 general, $20 seniors, $15 students, and are available at the door, or pre-pay and get $5 discount per ticket by mailing check to: Soma International Foundation, Inc., 1415 South Voss, Suite 110-448, Houston, TX 77057.

The Lois Alba Aria Competition is a presentation of Soma International Foundation, Inc., a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization dedicated to offering aspiring opera singers the opportunity to perform in public settings, such as concerts, galas and competitions in order to earn recognition and audience approval. Competition participants are judged by professionals in the field who offer career advice, direction and encouragement. Participants also have the opportunity to earn prize money in order to further their studies and careers in the field of opera.

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