Six finalists from 14 entries delivered their two chosen arias from the stage at Dunedin’s Regent Theatre, all accompanied by Wellington pianist Catherine Norton. Adjudicator Deborah Wai Kapohe, of Christchurch, was given the task of deciding placings based on presentation and performance, technical ability, linguistic confidence and the dramatic interpretation required for performance of operatic arias.
The winner was soprano Erin Connelly-Whyte who studies at the University of Otago and was second placegetter in last year’s final.
In second place was soprano Jasmine Jessen, who is studying advanced opera at Waikato University, while Sarah Hubbard, a Dunedin soprano who is completing post-graduate operatic studies at the Queensland Conservatorium, took third place.
Baritone Kieran Kelly, of Dunedin, received the trophy awarded to an unplaced aria contestant with the most potential.
The reasonable-sized audience appeared to enjoy the competitive programme of 12 arias from various eras and composers, as well as items chosen by the judge from the previous days’ winners.
— Elizabeth Bouman
