Deep talent at Saturday’s Wisconsin Met Auditions

Seven of 39 singers who competed at the Wisconsin Metropolitan Opera auditions have advanced to the regionals. Judges awarded each of the seven $1,500.

“This was BY FAR the most talented group of singers we have had,” said district director Kathy Pyeatt. “The judges [Emily Pulley, Kyle Marrero and Michael Egel] were amazed at the level of talent and had a really hard time deliberating.”

Emily Birsan, Corrie Stallings, Kevin Newell, Samuel Schultz, Kristin Schwecke, Angela Kloc and Rhea Olivacce made the cut. They will sing for additional cash awards at the eight-state regional on Feb. 5 in St. Paul. Winners there will go on to the national finals in New York, a hugely important showcase and career-builder for young singers.

Under rules adopted a few years ago, singers can compete in any district they choose. Birsan, Schultz, Newell and Kloc are Wisconsin natives; Kloc is from Milwaukee.

In addition to the top awards, judges doled out the following Encouragement Awards to singers who did not advance: 2010 Encouragement Awards went to: Adam Hendrickson ($650), Alisa Jordheim ($650), Curtis Bannister ($650), Alyssa Cox ($325), Christopher Nelson ($650), Celeste Fraser ($650), Aidan Smerud ($325) and Ashley Mispagel ($650).

Audience members who heard all 39 singers throughout the long day at the Sharon Lynne Wilson Center voted the $250 People’s Choice Award to Adam Lance Hendrickson. The Florentine Opera also selected Hendrickson, along with Birsan and Stalling, to perform at its annual January recital at the St. John’s Home.