Up-and-coming opera singers take the stage in Cooper-Bing Competition
Whether we are listening to a radio broadcast from the Metropolitan Opera or an episode of “American Idol,” we all have opinions about what constitutes good singing.
This weekend, central Ohio music lovers have a chance to listen to five of the best up-and-coming vocalists in the opera community − and to have a say about who hits the high notes the best.
On May 19, Opera Columbus presents its annual Cooper-Bing Competition in the Southern Theatre. The event, which is open to the public, features live performances by five finalists, one of whom is to be awarded a grand prize decided on by a jury of three.
The Dispatch chatted with Opera Columbus General Director and CEO Julia Noulin-Merat about the upcoming competition.
What is the competition?
The competition originated − and is, in part, named for − with Opera Columbus co-founder Irma M. Cooper in 1983.
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“Irma Cooper was such an advocate for emerging talent and artists,” Noulin-Merat said.
Ten years ago, donors Arthur and Hetty Bing contributed funds that would guarantee the future of the competition.
“The competition is endowed,” Noulin-Merat said.
How many singers compete?
This year, 329 singers from around the globe submitted videos of themselves performing to be considered for the competition. Judges winnowed that pool to a smaller group of 25 singers, from which Noulin-Merat herself selected the five finalists.
Who are the finalists?
Bass Cumhur Gorgun, mezzo-soprano Olivia Johnson, mezzo-soprano Maggie Renee, baritone Daniel Rich and mezzo-soprano Mack Wolz are this year’s finalists.
What will the finalists do on Sunday?
The event, which is to be emceed by WOSU Classical 101 on-air host Christopher Purdy, features each of the five singers performing two pieces.
“They each are going to perform a piece they chose,” Noulin-Merat said. “Then Opera Columbus also picks one song... We get to hear them twice.”
Audiences can also hear about the finalists, too: Prerecorded video segments fill in backstories about each of the singers.
Who selects the grand-prize winner on Sunday?
Three judges evaluate the performances on Sunday and select a grand-prize winner, who is to receive $10,000, as well as a winner in the special category of best diction.
Audience members can have a chance to weigh in by casting ballots for their own favorite singer. (Ballots are to be handed out to each audience member.)
No singer, though, will walk away without being honored in some way. In addition to each finalist receiving some amount of money, they each will be celebrated at the end of the competition.
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“After the performance, we’re going to celebrate everyone onstage (with) a Champagne toast,” Noulin-Merat said. “The audience can also come onstage and get to meet the finalists.”
Do the singers ever come back to perform with Opera Columbus?
Winners and finalists of the Cooper-Bing Competition are likely to be heard on stages across the globe − and that includes on the stage of the Southern Theatre, Opera Columbus’ longtime home.
“This competition is at the core of who we are, which is championing new talent, whether they’re Columbus-based or international,” Noulin-Merat said. “For us, it’s very exciting.”
At a glance
Opera Columbus is to present the Cooper-Bing Competition at 3 p.m. Sunday, May 19 in the Southern Theatre, 21 E. Main St.
Tickets cost $19. For more information, visit operacolumbus.org.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Opera Columbus' Cooper-Bing Competition brings in five finalists
