EarRelevant Staff | 21 OCT 2024
- The Atlanta Opera announces 2024-25 Studio Artists
- Applications open for 2025 Seán Ó Riada Composition Competition
- Cathedral Choral Society names interim executive director
The Atlanta Opera announces 2024 Studio Artists
ATLANTA, Georgia— The Atlanta Opera has announced the artists selected for its 2024-25 Studio Artist program, which offers early-career professionals the opportunity to train and perform throughout the season. Returning for a second year are soprano Amanda Sheriff, mezzo-soprano Aubrey Odle, and bass-baritone Jason Zacher. New additions include tenor Wade Odle and stage director Elio Bucky.
The Studio Artist program, founded in 2016, is designed to nurture emerging talent in the field of opera. Participants receive extensive training and stage experience, along with a salary and benefits. The program also provides mentorship opportunities with established professionals, covering all aspects of performance and stage direction.
Meredith Wallace, Director of Artistic Administration for The Atlanta Opera, emphasized the program’s growth, stating, “Our Studio Young Artist Program is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of opera talent, providing emerging artists with the vital experience and training they need to succeed in this demanding art form.”
Notable alumni include tenor Santiago Ballerini, who will return to the company for its production of The Magic Flute, and mezzo-soprano Gretchen Krupp, who has made her debuts at the Metropolitan Opera and Santa Fe Opera.
The 2024-25 season’s Studio Artists will perform in a range of productions and receive coaching from professionals including master vocal teacher Laura Brooks Rice and voice consultant David Okerlund. Additionally, they will work with coaches in German, French, and Italian diction.
The Studio Artist program is supported by the Donald and Marilyn Keough Foundation, John and Yee-Wan Stevens, and Jerry and Dulcy Rosenberg.
For more information, visit the Atlanta Opera’s website at atlantaopera.org. ■
Applications open for 2025 Seán Ó Riada Composition Competition
CORK, Ireland— The 2025 Seán Ó Riada Composition Competition, a prestigious event for Irish composers, is now accepting applications. Hosted by the Cork International Choral Festival, the competition offers a unique opportunity for the winning composer to have their work premiered by the acclaimed Chamber Choir Ireland during the festival’s Gala Concert at St. Fin Barre’s Cathedral on May 2, 2025.
Composers born or residing in Ireland are eligible to enter, with submissions due by December 6, 2024. The competition seeks original a cappella choral works, up to five minutes in length, composed in four parts with text in either English or Irish. A panel of renowned composers and choral experts will judge the entries, which are submitted anonymously to ensure impartiality.
The winner will receive a cash prize, generously donated by the Ó Riada family, and the Seán Ó Riada Trophy. The competition, established in 1972 to honor the legacy of composer Seán Ó Riada, has attracted over 300 submissions in the past 14 years, showcasing a resurgence of interest in contemporary Irish choral music. Many previous winners, including Anselm McDonnell, Solfa Carlile, and Rhona Clarke, have had their works published internationally.
The competition aims to foster creativity in both traditional and modern Irish music, with a particular emphasis on compositions as Gaeilge. Full details and application instructions can be found on the Cork International Choral Festival’s website at corkchoral.ie
For additional information, contact the festival office at +353 (0)21 4215125 or email info@corkchoral.ie. ■
Cathedral Choral Society names interim executive director
WASHINGON, District of Columbia— The Cathedral Choral Society (CCS), a 200-voice symphonic, volunteer chorus based at the Washington National Cathedral, has appointed Catherine Ort-Mabry, CAE, as interim executive director, effective October 28. Ort-Mabry, an experienced nonprofit leader, will take on the role while CCS conducts a national search for a permanent executive director.
Ort-Mabry brings extensive expertise in nonprofit communications and membership engagement, recently serving as chief marketing and communications officer for the American Society for Microbiology. During her time there, she led initiatives that improved membership recruitment and retention, as well as enhanced the organization’s digital presence.
Ort-Mabry is also the CEO of C O M Solutions, a consulting firm that partners with mission-driven organizations. In addition to her professional background, she has been a member of the CCS soprano section for over 25 years.
In her new role, Ort-Mabry will oversee staff and operations, provide leadership on board governance, and focus on marketing and fundraising efforts. “It’s a true delight to sing with this amazing group of artists, and now I’ll be able to contribute both on stage and behind the scenes,” she said.
Sarah Holmes, president of the CCS board of trustees, expressed confidence in Ort-Mabry’s leadership, stating, “She brings a wealth of experience in nonprofit work and has a decades-long devotion to the Cathedral Choral Society.” CCS music director Steven Fox added, “Catherine’s experience and long history with CCS is a perfect fit for our goals and vision this season.”
Ort-Mabry’s appointment follows the departure of Christopher Eanes, who had served as CCS’s executive director since 2019. Eanes left the position in September to become president and CEO of Chorus America. The search committee for the new executive director is currently being formed.
Founded in 1941, CCS is Washington, D.C.’s oldest symphonic chorus and is known for its performances at the Washington National Cathedral. It engages with the community through concerts, educational programs, and commissions of new works. website: cathedralchoralsociety.org ■
EXTERNAL LINKS:
- The Atlanta Opera: atlantaopera.org>
- Cork International Choral Festival: corkchoral.ie
- Cathedral Choral Society: cathedralchoralsociety.org
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