Lexus Song Quest announced six finalists today. The selected opera singing talents from New Zealand will be competing at the 2012 Grand Final on Aug. 30 in Wellington.
"The Finalists in Lexus Song Quest 2012 are wonderfully talented young people. It was a challenging decision to make but we are very happy with the line-up which sees four young men and two young women going through to the Grand Final," said Lexus Song Quest Preliminary Judge, Rodney Macann.
"There is a beautiful multicultural mix in the group which makes them very representative of Aotearoa, New Zealand today. There is also a strong sense of community among this group and many were curious to discover whether their friends were also successful," Macann said.
The six finalists will compete live with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of Oliver von Dohnányi, at the Grand Final Concert. Renowned tenor and the founder of Wales International Academy of Voice, Dennis O'Neill, will be the Quest's International Judge for the night. O'Neill, who is currently based in United Kingdom, will also coach the finalists ahead of the Final.
The finalists are countertenor Stephen Diaz, 24, soprano Grace Park, 21, tenor Amitai Pati, 22, baritone Kawiti Waetford, 21, soprano Bryony Williams, 22, and tenor Alexander Wilson, 21.
"There is so much at stake for these young singers. The next six weeks will be a very crucial time. All of them, with their very individual talents are potential Lexus Song Quest winners. I am hugely looking forward to the Final," said Macann.
There is a $10,000 cash prize and $15,000 study grant and return international airfares for the winner. Former winners of the Lexus Song Quest include Dame Kiri Te Kanawa (1965), Dame Malvina Major (1963), Teddy Tahu Rhodes (1991) and Jonathan Lemalu (1998).
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