By Jill Yesko , University Relations
The second edition of the Charles A. Lynam Vocal Competition will be held on Saturday and Sunday, Oct.14-15 at the School of Music at UNCG. The competition, which has drawn entries from 151 vocal students from 27 states, Canada and South Korea, is sponsored by the UNCG Opera Theatre.
The event honors the teaching and performing career of professor Charles Lynam, recipient of a UNCG Alumni Teaching Excellence Award who retired from UNCG at the conclusion of the 2005-06 academic year after 41 years.
The contest has two divisions: Artist Division (ages 24-40) and Young Artist Division (ages 18-23). In the preliminary round, conducted by CD/tape recordings, judges narrowed applicants to 24 semifinalists. Six finalists in each division will compete in the Oct. 15 finals. The Artist Division offers $2,500 for first place, $2,000 for second place and $1,500 for third place. In the Young Artist Division, first- second- and third-place winners will receive $1,250, $1000 and $750, respectively.
Prizes awarded during the finals include: an opportunity to perform during the 2007-08 season with the Greensboro Symphony and/or the Opera Company of North Carolina and admission and/or scholarship to the 2007 Seagle Music Colony, said Dr. David Holley, professor of opera and director of the Opera Theatre.
Acclaimed composer Libby Larsen, recently commissioned by the Opera Theatre to compose an opera based on the play “Picnic,” will be among the six judges. The opera will hold its world debut at UNCG in 2008.
Performance times in the School of Music Recital Hall will be: Saturday, semifinals starting at 11 a.m.; Sunday, 1 p.m. final round and 7:30 p.m., winner’s recital. Admission is $10 adults for each round and the winner’s recital, or $25 weekend pass. Student prices are, $12 weekend pass, $5 per event. For tickets, call the School of Music box office, (336) 334-4849. All events are open to the public.
