Publication Date: Friday, October 22, 2004
Divas-in-training
Divas-in-training
(October 22, 2004) Fifteen vie for title of West Bay Opera 'Superstar!'
by Erin Pursell
It's rare in the opera world for singers to get constructive feedback from their audience.
But that's what 15 emerging singers can expect this Saturday, when they compete in West Bay Opera's Superstar Competition. The winner will receive a $3,000 prize.
"I just thought it would be a good experience," said contestant Lori Dector, a San Francisco native. "It's a unique performance and I'm interested in the feedback."
Nine contestants are from the Bay Area, while some are coming from as far away as Connecticut and Texas. All are under 30 and most have been singing opera for years.
For example: Decter, 29, who has been singing since elementary school, earned both bachelor's and master's degrees in music and vocal performance from San Jose State University.
Since July 2001, she has been a principal resident artist at San Jose Opera, and played Donna Elvira in West Bay Opera's production of Don Giovanni in May.
"We (singers) are like the instrument of expression," Decter said. "The greater pleasure comes in how you affect other people."
The competition will have two rounds, prior to which the "Superstars" will be asked a question by a three-person judging panel. The panel is comprised of Erie Mills, an opera stage manager and San Jose State music professor; Jonathon Fieldan, an opera stage director; and Robert Ashens, an opera impresario and conductor.
This year's question -- "What is your dream role and why?" -- seeks to put singers at ease before their performance.
"It (the question) is (designed) to make them think about what they're doing and why and it sort of gets them into the mood, and helps them to relax," said Joan Sloss, director of casting and the coordinator for the competition.
In the first round, contestants will sing two minutes of a song of their choice. After the round is over, the audience will vote on their favorites, sending the top four into the finals. Judges have the option of adding two more singers to the final round, if they feel the audience has overlooked someone.
In the final round, contestants will sing an entire aria, after which the judging panel will select the winner based on career potential and overall performance.
"When I think about the programs that are out there it is unique because it's a competition and yet it's a master class because you're getting feedback not only from judges but from the audience as well," Sloss said.
Jordan Shanahan, 27, who attended the University of Hawaii and Temple University, has been singing professionally in the U.S. and Europe for the last three years and is a top contender in this year's competition. He starred in West Bay Opera's production of "The Barber of Seville" last season and has an upcoming role in the company's "Lucia di Lammermoo" in February.
"I had a great time here doing 'Barber,' and was happy to have an excuse to come back again," Shanahan said.
Sonia Gariaeff, a finalist from last year's competition, said she looks forward to debuting a few new arias to the public during her performance.
"I lost my voice in the finals last year and was going to have to sing the next night so I just couldn't perform," the San Francisco resident said, adding that she looks forward to having another chance to compete.
Gariaeff is also a West Bay Opera favorite, having been in several productions over the last four years, including "Barber of Seville" and the current production of "La Clemenza di Tito."
"They (West Bay Opera) have been like a family to me," Gariaeff said. "The competition will be a nice opportunity to sing for the West Bay audience."
Long-term singing goals are something all the participants share.
"I would just love to be able to make my living singing," said Kristen Sharpley, a lifelong Los Altos resident and "Superstar" hopeful.
Sharpley, 26, has been singing since seventh grade, and said she knew early on that she wanted to be a singer.
"I went to my first opera when I was 13, which gave me that fire for opera and sparked my interest," she said.
The 15 contestants hope to follow in the footsteps of 2003 winner Beverly Jane Peatross. She has gone on to perform in Pocket Opera San Francisco and will also sing in November with the San Francisco Choral Society. Peatross will be a guest artist at this year's "Superstar" competition.
Regardless of the outcome, singers can take their feedback and apply it toward the advancement of their career.
"I just want to be the very best artist I can possibly be," Gariaeff said. "Hey, why not?" she said with a laugh. "I might as well try to create something beautiful."
What: West Bay Opera Superstar! Fifteen young opera singers compete to win the title and cash awards. Audience members vote to choose the finalists; the ultimate decision rests with the professional judges.
When: Saturday at 8 p.m.
Where: Lucie Stern Theatre, 1305 Middlefield Road in Palo Alto.
Cost: Tickets are $25 and can be purchased by calling the West Bay Opera box office at (650) 424-9999, Monday through Friday, 1-6 p.m. or by visiting www.wbopera.org. Tickets may also be purchased at the Holt Building Box Office, 221 Lambert Ave. in Palo Alto.
Info: Call (650) 424-9999 or visit www.wbopera.org.
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