The first stage of auditions for the 20th International Vocal Artistry Competition named after Ada Sari in Nowy Sacz began with Hyejin Lee, a soprano from South Korea, performing the recitative and aria of Lucia's "Il dolce suono" from Act III of the opera "Lucia di Lammermoor." Aleksander Teliga accompanied the artist on the piano. "I live permanently in Germany, work very hard as a freelancer, and have come to the conclusion that this is the right time to try my luck in the Competition," Hyejin Lee said after her performance.
A month ago, the letter "L" was drawn to determine the order of the participants' performances. Being the first singer in the competition is a significant challenge that the Korean singer had to face this time. "There are many competitions in Europe, but I chose Nowy Sacz and Ada Sari Competition because of the excellent jury. I felt that regardless of the outcome, it was a great opportunity for me to sing in front of such a jury, which includes directors who make casting decisions. And that I'm the first? Someone had to be," emphasized Hyejin Lee.
In the first stage, young singers performed two pieces, one mainly by Mozart and one of their choice from the list. Each of their performances lasted about ten minutes, accompanied by the piano.
"I am taking part in the Ada Sari Competition because I am fulfilling my dream. It is one of the most prestigious competitions, with a vast repertoire, and preparing for it is a challenge. Additionally, there is an excellent jury here, which provides many opportunities," said Teresa Marut, a soprano from Warsaw, who was accompanied on the piano by Mirella Malorny-Konopka. Besides Mozart, the young artist presented Chopin's mazurka ("Aime moi" op. 33 no. 2) arranged by Pauline Viardot, a singer, pianist, and composer who was a student of Liszt and a friend of Chopin. Viardot arranged a cycle of Chopin's mazurkas for voice and piano. Why did Teresa Marut choose Chopin, who rarely appears in the vocal competition repertoire? "Chopin is close to my heart," she explained. "Probably thanks to my husband, a pianist who helped me interpret this composer. Besides, Viardot's arrangements are fascinating."
The international jury, led by Malgorzata Walewska, the Artistic Director of the Competition, evaluated the singers. "So far, the level of competition auditions is very good. A strong group of singers from China is very promising. We'll see. There are many emotions ahead of us," said Malgorzata Walewska.
The jury's work is also attended by: Marcin Habela - Professor of Singing at the Geneva University of Music, Artistic Advisor of the Tibor Varga Music Academy in Sion, Switzerland, and the Anargyriosa and Korgialeniosa School of Music Academy in Spetses, Greece; Beata Klatka - Director of the Stanislaw Moniuszko International Vocal Competition and Head of the Opera Academy of the National Opera in Warsaw; Dominik Licht - Casting Consultant at the Royal Danish Opera in Copenhagen; Rebekah Rota - Opera Director in Wuppertal.
Tomorrow, on Monday, May 8, the second part of the first stage of auditions will take place, and in the evening, the jury will announce the first verdict and we will find out who will perform in the second stage.
As a reminder, the Ada Sari International Vocal Artistry Competition in Nowy Sacz takes place every two years since 1985. It is organized by the SOKÓŁ Małopolska Cultural Centre in Nowy Sącz, and this year's edition is co-organized by the Krakow Opera.
The competition auditions are broadcasted online on the website: www.adasari.pl
You are welcome to join!
In the first stage, young singers performed two pieces, one mainly by Mozart and one of their choice from the list. Each of their performances lasted about ten minutes, accompanied by the piano.
"I am taking part in the Ada Sari Competition because I am fulfilling my dream. It is one of the most prestigious competitions, with a vast repertoire, and preparing for it is a challenge. Additionally, there is an excellent jury here, which provides many opportunities," said Teresa Marut, a soprano from Warsaw, who was accompanied on the piano by Mirella Malorny-Konopka. Besides Mozart, the young artist presented Chopin's mazurka ("Aime moi" op. 33 no. 2) arranged by Pauline Viardot, a singer, pianist, and composer who was a student of Liszt and a friend of Chopin. Viardot arranged a cycle of Chopin's mazurkas for voice and piano. Why did Teresa Marut choose Chopin, who rarely appears in the vocal competition repertoire? "Chopin is close to my heart," she explained. "Probably thanks to my husband, a pianist who helped me interpret this composer. Besides, Viardot's arrangements are fascinating."
The international jury, led by Malgorzata Walewska, the Artistic Director of the Competition, evaluated the singers. "So far, the level of competition auditions is very good. A strong group of singers from China is very promising. We'll see. There are many emotions ahead of us," said Malgorzata Walewska.
The jury's work is also attended by: Marcin Habela - Professor of Singing at the Geneva University of Music, Artistic Advisor of the Tibor Varga Music Academy in Sion, Switzerland, and the Anargyriosa and Korgialeniosa School of Music Academy in Spetses, Greece; Beata Klatka - Director of the Stanislaw Moniuszko International Vocal Competition and Head of the Opera Academy of the National Opera in Warsaw; Dominik Licht - Casting Consultant at the Royal Danish Opera in Copenhagen; Rebekah Rota - Opera Director in Wuppertal.
Tomorrow, on Monday, May 8, the second part of the first stage of auditions will take place, and in the evening, the jury will announce the first verdict and we will find out who will perform in the second stage.
As a reminder, the Ada Sari International Vocal Artistry Competition in Nowy Sacz takes place every two years since 1985. It is organized by the SOKÓŁ Małopolska Cultural Centre in Nowy Sącz, and this year's edition is co-organized by the Krakow Opera.
The competition auditions are broadcasted online on the website: www.adasari.pl
You are welcome to join!
Agnieszka Malatyńska-Stankiewicz
Competition press office
