Baritone John Brancy and Pianist Mario Antonio Marra Win Marilyn Horne Song Competition
By: Christina Mancuso Jul. 23, 2013
Baritone John Brancy and pianist Mario Antonio Marra have been named winners of the 2013 Music Academy of the West Marilyn Horne Song Competition, which took place July 20 at the Music Academy's Hahn Hall. Messrs. Brancy and Marra will each receive a cash award of $2,500, and will be presented in recital next year at Hahn Hall, Santa Monica's Broad Stage, and the National Opera Center in New York City. Tenor Andrew Haji was the recipient of an Encouragement Award. Biographies appear below.
One of the most popular events of the summer season at the Music Academy, the Marilyn Horne Song Competition (formerly known as the Marilyn Horne Foundation Vocal Competition) is a showcase for Academy singers and vocal pianists. Top awards, presented in memory of longtime Music Academy vocal accompaniment faculty member Gwendolyn Koldofsky, are given to the Academy singer and vocal pianist who demonstrate excellence in the performance of song repertoire as well as a unique gift for audience communication. The competition regularly attracts industry insiders eager for a glimpse of up-and-coming talent.
Joining world-renowned concert and opera singer Marilyn Horne as jurors this year were Barbara Hocher (former executive director of the Marilyn Horne Foundation and currently a consultant for the Marilyn Horne Legacy at Carnegie Hall); Jeremy Geffen, director of artistic planning at Carnegie Hall; Gayletha Nichols, executive director of the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions; and Lorne Richstone, associate professor of vocal coaching at the University of Oklahoma. Ms. Horne has directed the Academy's renowned Voice Program since 1997. All told, 20 singers and six vocal pianists competed this year. All are attending the Music Academy this summer.
Previous winners of the competition have included Soprano Tracy Cox and pianist Maureen Zoltek (2012); soprano Karen Vuong and pianist Saule Tlenchiyeva (2011); soprano Megan Hart and pianist Sun Ha "Sunny" Yoon (2010); mezzo-soprano Ronnita Miller, tenor Jeffrey Hill, and pianist Lio Kuokman (2009); soprano Simone Osborne, baritone Edward Parks, and pianist In-Sun Suh (2008); soprano Nadine Sierra and pianist Karen Kyung-Eun Na (2007); Santa Barbara's own Evan Hughes (2006); soprano Elaine Alvarez, mezzo-soprano Isabel Leonard, and pianist Tamara Sanikidze (2005); mezzo-soprano Daniela Lehner and pianist Marie-Ève Scarfone (2004); mezzo-soprano Megan Latham and pianist Carol Wong (2003); mezzo-soprano Deborah Domanski and pianist Jerome Tan (2002); tenor Ramon Diggs and pianist Nino Sanikidze (2001); baritone Nicolai Janitzky, mezzo-soprano Liesel Fedkenheuer, and pianists Ji Young Lee and Spencer Meyer (2000).
Remaining highlights of the Music Academy's 2013 season include an ambitious new production of Mozart's beloved operaThe Magic Flute, as well as performances by violinist Midori and conductors Nicholas McGegan and James Gaffigan. Featuring the Academy's exceptionally talented Fellows, together with illustrious guest performers and faculty, the events are being presented at the Academy's scenic Miraflores campus and in venues throughout Santa Barbara. The Music Academy's 66thannual Summer Festival concludes August 10.
For tickets and information, call 805.969.8787. Information is also available online at www.musicacademy.org.
Founded in 1947, the Music Academy of the West is among the nation's preeminent summer schools and festivals for gifted young classical musicians. The Academy provides these promising musicians with the opportunity for advanced study and frequent performance under the guidance of internationally renowned faculty artists, guest conductors, and soloists. Admission to the Academy is strictly merit based, and Fellows receive full scholarships (tuition, room, and board). Academy alumni are members of major symphony orchestras, chamber orchestras, ensembles, opera companies, and university and conservatory faculties throughout the world. Many enjoy careers as prominent solo artists. Based in Santa Barbara, the Music Academy of the West presents more than 200 public events annually, including performances by faculty, visiting artists, and Fellows; masterclasses; orchestra and chamber music concerts; and fully staged opera. The Music Academy began broadcasting live, high-definition simulcasts by the world-renowned Metropolitan Opera at Hahn Hall in October 2008. For more information, visit www.musicacademy.org.
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