Stockton Opera Guild awards $3000 To Promising Local Vocalists
Lincoln High School winners Jacqueline Sandar(left) and Leilani Smith(right) with their accompanist and coach Kimberly Watts-Willis (center).
The 14th Stockton Opera Guild Kathe Underwood Scholarship Competition was held February 8, 2014 at the historic St. John’s Church. Applicants must reside in or attend school in San Joaquin County. Each age group has requirements regarding what they are to sing, and all competitors bring a piano accompanist. Judges were June Spencer from Stockton, and JoAnn Ross from Carmichael.
Leilani Smith, a junior at Lincoln High School won Honorable Mention in Section One. Her objective is, “to be a singer.” She sang “Caro mio ben” in Italian and “The Leprechaun” in English. Jacqueline Sandar, also a junior at Lincoln, won Honorable mention in Section One. She sang “Spring Sorrow” in English and “Quando m’en vo” from La Boheme in Italian.
Three University of the Pacific singers received awards. First place went to tenor Ricky Garcia. He sang “Vainement, ma bien aimee” in French and “Standchen” in German. He would very much like to be an international opera singer. “It is my sole dream!”
Bryan DeParsia, a major in vocal performance, won second place, performing “Deh vieni alla finestra” in Italian and “En priere” in French. Third Place went to Alison Willmann. She sang “O del mio dolce arder” in Italian and “Vilia” from The Merry Widow in English.
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.. This year’s competition was chaired by Carolyn Pometta, with photos and content for this article from Renata H. Bricka.
It is an honor to focus on the accomplishments of these talented, hardworking young artists in our community. We are indeed fortunate.
To learn more about this and other annual opera events here in Stockton, please call Courtney Harrel, 209-956-9440