Junior Opera Idol April 16, 2009

EVANSTON, IL –It’s great news for the Windy City’s little singers with big voices: the first-ever junior competition for Opera Idol is getting underway this spring at the North Shore Retirement Hotel, located at 1611 Chicago Avenue in Evanston.

Spearheading the vocal contest is Sherrill Milnes, Chicago’s very own world-renowned opera star. Under Milnes’ direction, the structure of Opera Idol for juniors will resemble the hit television series — without Simon’s offending criticisms or bickering performers!

The qualified contestants will perform on April 16, 2009 before an audience of North Shore residents and a panel of professional musicians who will judge the performances. One winner will be announced at the end of the competition, who will win a $500 scholarship toward continued vocal studies of the winner’s choosing.

The first-ever junior competition preludes the popular Opera Idol for singers over 18, which is in its third year. On April 24, North Shore residents and music professionals judge six hopefuls as they take the stage in the ballroom of the hotel to compete for a $2,000 scholarship with airfare to attend the nationally recognized two-week workshop directed by Milnes and the non-profit V.O.I.C.Experience in Orlando, FL.

Milnes, a renowned American baritone, founded the non-profit V.O.I.C.Experience organization in 2001. As the organization’s Artistic Direction, Milnes works with Maria Zouves, Executive Director, “to provide performance and study opportunities for singers, while creating an outreach of opera and musical theatre to the communities of the world.” This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work with Milnes, Zouves and other world-renowned coaches, theater and operatic personalities at V.O.I.C.Experience would provide the Opera Idol winner with coaching, lessons, master classes, outreach programs and a special “Mission: Audition” project.

For further information or to attend this competition and the Junior competition, please call the Opera Idol coordinator at the North Shore Retirement Hotel at 847.864.6400, ext. 622 or ask for Michael Gergen at 312-771-3200.

Official Website: http:/http://video.aol.com/video-detail/junior-opera-idol-competition-in-evanston/792047601/?icid=VIDLRV05