UK Vocalists Take Top Honors at National Opera Competition
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Jan. 23, 2012) − Two University of Kentucky Opera Theatre students recently took honors at the 2012 National Opera Association Vocal Competition. Senior Reginald Smith Jr. took first place in the competition's scholarship division and graduate student Michael Preacely took third place in the competition's artist division.
The National Opera Association Vocal Competition is conducted annually in two divisions, scholarship, for singers between the ages of 18 and 24, and artist, for singers 25 to 40 years of age. Preliminary auditions for the competition are judged by recording. Preacely was one of only 10 finalists selected from across the nation to compete in the finals of the artist division. Smith was one of only eight finalists nationwide selected to compete in the scholarship division's live final audition. Joining Smith in the finals was UK senior Rebecca Farley.
Everett McCorvey, director of UK Opera Theatre, was excited with UK's presence at the national competition. "There were eight national semifinalists in the undergraduate category and 10 in the graduate category who were invited to Memphis," says McCorvey. "Of the 18 singers, three were from UK. I am very proud of all of the singers and how well they did in the competition. This was a major showing for UK as the National Opera Association represents all of the opera programs in this country with emphasis on opera training programs and universities. This will certainly bolster our top 20 designations as well!"
As part of the finals of the 2012 National Opera Association Vocal Competition, Smith and Preacely presented four and five opera arias respectively. Their selections had to show contrasting styles and periods and represent three languages. This year's finals were judged by lyric soprano Kallen Esperian, Assistant Conductor of the Metropolitan Opera Steven Osgood and opera and concert singer Felicia Weathers. The competition was held Jan. 7, in Memphis, Tenn., as part of this year's Joint Meeting of the National Opera Association and the National Association of Teachers of Singing.
As winner of the scholarship division, Smith received the Nicholas Vrenios Memorial Award, which includes a certificate and a cash prize of $2,000. For Preacely's third place finish in the artist division, the vocalist received the Clifford Bair Memorial Award, which includes a certificate and a cash prize of $750. Both students plan to use the funds to pursue further opera competitions and auditions.
Smith is a vocal performance and choral music education senior from Atlanta, Ga. While at UK, the baritone has performed in every season of the sold out performances of "It's a Grand Night for Singing!" and will appear in the title role in UK Opera Theatre's upcoming production of "Falstaff." Smith's previous honors and awards include an invitation to study at the Seagle Music Colony and the Brevard Music Center, as well as first place honors in the undergraduate division of the 2007 Alltech Vocal Scholarship Competition. Most recently he took third place in the regionals of the 2011 Metropolitan (Met) Opera National Council Auditions.
Smith plans to pursue a singing and teaching career after he graduates. "My plan after graduation is to go and sing," says the vocalist. "I plan to audition for a lot of opera programs and young artist programs. After singing, I plan to go back and teach choral music in the public school system as a means of giving back to my community."
A graduate student pursuing a master's degree in music, Preacely hails from Chicago, Ill. Since coming to UK, the baritone has appeared in every UK Opera Theatre main stage production including his recent turn as Porgy in "Porgy and Bess." Next up, Preacely will appear in "Falstaff." Preacely's previous honors and awards include first place honors in the graduate division of the 2010 Alltech Vocal Scholarship Competition. Upon completion of his degree, he plans to pursue a professional career as a vocalist.
Smith and Preacely are students of Everett McCorvey.
UK soprano Rebecca Farley was selected to compete as one of the eight finalists in the scholarship division of the National Opera Association Vocal Competition. Farley is a vocal performance senior from Henderson, Ky. The undergraduate will make her main stage debut as Nannetta in "Falstaff." Farley has placed in multiple competitions presented by the National Association of Teachers of Singing, took the audience favorite award at the Peterson Vocal Competition, and most recently received an encouragement award at the district competition of the Met Auditions. After finishing her degree, she plans to pursue graduate studies and auditions.
Farley currently studies under UK Endowed Chair in Music Cynthia Lawrence. She previously studied under Dennis Bender, associate professor of voice.
The critically acclaimed UK Opera Theatre program is part of the voice program at the UK School of Music at the UK College of Fine Arts.
Founded in 1955, the National Opera Association seeks to promote a greater appreciation of opera and music theatre, to enhance pedagogy and performing activities, and to increase performance opportunities by supporting projects that improve the scope and quality of opera. Members in the United States, Canada, Europe, Asia and Australia participate in a wide array of activities in support of this mission. The association has primarily served education and performance activities in academic institutions and small regional opera companies.
MEDIA CONTACT: Whitney Hale, (859) 257-8716 or whitney.hale@uky.edu
