Opera Idol Finals April 16, 2010

The competition is fierce as the finalists prepare to battle it out during their final performances for the title of 2010 Opera Idol. The Opera Idol finals, slated to begin at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, April 16, 2010, in the ballroom of the North Shore Retirement Hotel, located at 1611 Chicago Avenue in downtown Evanston, will feature the top six contestants, between the ages of 18 and 29 years old. The final contest will be presented in a Master Class format, with the internationally renowned opera star Sherrill Milnes providing guidance and coaching for the aspiring opera singers who are competing for a $2,400 scholarship and more. This event is free and open to the public. Seating is limited, so reservations are recommended.

One winner, chosen by popular vote of North Shore Retirement Hotel residents and their guests, will be announced at the end of the competition. The grand prize includes a $2,400 scholarship and airfare to attend the nationally recognized V.O.I.C.Experience workshop, directed by Milnes and the non-profit V.O.I.C.Experience faculty. The workshop is an intensive three-week program of the V.O.I.C.Experience Foundation, held in August in Tampa, FL.

Milnes, a renowned American baritone, founded the non-profit V.O.I.C.Experience organization in 2001. As the organization’s Artistic Director, 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 provides 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, please call the Opera Idol coordinator at the North Shore Retirement Hotel at 847.864.6400, ext. 622.