Northern Ireland Opera's 13th Glenarm Festival of Voice has revealed the finalists for this year's event. Sopranos Anna Gregg and Petra Wells, mezzo-soprano Anna-Helena Machlachlan, tenor Cathal McCabe, and baritone Ryan Garnham have been selected to participate in the live competition, taking place in Glenarm from August 25 to 27. Before the competition, the five singers will undergo intensive coaching led by esteemed vocal coaches, including Dr. Ingrid Surgenor, Professor Mark Wildman, and pianist Simon Lepper.
The Festival of Voice also features a series of captivating recitals. On August 25, tenor Nicky Spence's performance will be recorded live, followed by mezzo-soprano Marta Fontanals-Simmons on August 26, and baritone James Atkinson on the festival's final day. These recitals, centered around the theme "From the Salons of Great Women," will be hosted in St. Patrick's Church, Glenarm. Additionally, the 2022 winner of the Festival's Song Prize, soprano Hannah O'Brien, will present a recital with pianist Tristan Russcher on August 26.
During the competition finale, the audience will be treated to an array of arias, Irish art songs, and ensemble pieces. The distinguished jury will have the task of selecting the winners for the Deborah Voigt Opera Prize and the Song Prize, while an Audience Prize will also be awarded. This exciting event will take place on August 27 at 6.30 pm in Glenarm's Church of the Immaculate Conception.
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