By Barbara McGuire
Daily Bruin Senior Staff
Though a bathroom shower performance may be the closest most get
to experiencing opera music, the art of high chords and long held
notes still exists today ““ without the fat lady to finish off
the shows.
Facing as much competition as mainstream artists, opera singers
aren’t guaranteed a plush job simply because they have a
special talent that they’ve spent their lives fine-tuning.
But with the help of world-renowned Plà cido Domingo, the
future of young, potentially up-and-coming opera singers
doesn’t seem to be headed toward street corner
performances.
Domingo’s three-day international opera competition
“Operalia 2000,” to be held at Royce Hall beginning
Aug. 31, will give 40 contestants the chance to shine and compete
for special training during the early stages of their careers.
“Just because you have a good voice doesn’t mean you
are going to have a good career,” said Gary Murphy, promoter
of the contest.
“The people who come to “˜Operalia,’ in
addition to the general public, are major opera professionals from
all over the world who are looking for the next stars,” he
said.
Domingo created the prestigious competition eight years ago, but
“Operalia 2000″ is the first of his contests that will
be held in the United States ““ which Domingo said is an old
dream of his. Prior “Operalias” have been held in such
cities as Hamburg, Tokyo, Buenos Aires and San Juan.
“Contestants are invited to submit audiocassettes to the
judging panel in Paris,” Murphy said. “The judging
panel will listen to all the cassettes and basically narrow it down
to 40 contestants, and then they’ll invite those people to
come to “˜Operalia’ to compete.”
According to Murphy, though the careers of these singers, all
under 30, may not be that fruitful, they are treated like stars
while involved with “Operalia.” Not only are they
provided with airfare, hotel stays and travel money, but the winner
gets a sizable monetary prize numbered at $175,000.
“Operalia” is, however, about more than just the
Benjamins. Executive director of the show, Isabelle De Montaigu
said that all the contestants’ expenses are taken care of so
that anyone can enter the contest, not just people with money.
Of additional importance is simply the opportunity to star in
the show, which is priceless. Domingo created
“Operalia” to provide contestants with the chance to
gain exposure. All the competitors have the opportunity to walk
away with contracts, even if they aren’t the winners.
According to De Montaigu, the chance to work with Domingo is key
among the competition’s advantages.
“Plà cido follows the careers of every one of the
contestants; he gives them very good advice in terms of their voice
and what to sing,” she said. “He supports
them.”
Domingo provides guidance for singers in a field that lacks
formal mentors.
“That’s the sad thing about trying to be a musician,
especially a singer,” wrote Domingo in a letter concerning
“Operalia.” “You study medicine, law, business,
any of the sciences, and upon graduation you are almost guaranteed
some sort of position.”
“In many cases, the universities help in placing the
graduates,” continued Domingo. “Not so with singing.
You need that “˜break,’ the break of a limelight shining
on your talent. The “˜right’ people need to become
interested in your career.”
“Operalia 2000″ combines different levels of
competition, beginning the first two days in which each contestant
sings two arias accompanied by a piano. A bar of 11 judges from
around the world will choose 20 semi-finalists.
The last day of competition on Sept. 3 will determine the 10
finalists based on their performance of two additional arias with
an accompanying piano. The selected finalists will sing one aria
with the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra conducted by Domingo himself
on Sept. 5.
The competition is tough, but the final prize and publicity is
well worth the work. Beside the money, six “Alberto Vilar
Awards” will be awarded to the contestants. These awards were
named after Vilar in recognition of his tremendous support, as he
is the principal sponsor, donating close to $200,000 to
“Operalia,” solely because of his love for opera.
In a letter which explains praises
“Operalia’s” altruism, Vilar expresses his
genuine love for opera and hope for the future of these rising
opera stars.
“My great life-long passion for the classical performing
arts, especially opera, has led me to become a supporter of the
arts around the world ““ from the Metropolitan Opera House in
New York to London’s Royal Opera House to the Kirov Opera and
Ballet Company in St. Petersburg,” he said. “But
perhaps nothing gives me greater joy than witnessing the birth of
an opera career and listening to the breathtaking voices of
tomorrow.”
OPERA: “Operalia 2000″ will be held at UCLA’s
Royce Hall from noon to 4 p.m. on Aug. 31 and Sept., from 11 a.m.
to 3 p.m. on Sept. 3, and at 7 p.m. on Sept. 5. All tickets are
free except for “The Final Contest” on Sept. 5 in which
they can be purchased for $25 to $75, with student tickets for $10.
Tickets are required and can be obtained by calling the Central
Ticket Office at (310) 825-2101, or through Ticketmaster at (310)
365-3500.