*Competition Deadline Extended*
The judges of The Marietta Piccolomini International Opera Theater Cyber Competition have decided to extend the competition deadline until such time as three singers who exemplify the principles of singing and artistry practiced by Marietta Piccolomini, have been found.
L'Assesore alla Cultura of Citta della Pieve, Italy and The International Opera Theater are proud to announce the Annual Marietta Piccolomini Cyber Opera Competition. Marietta Piccolomini was the singer that first brought La Traviata outside of Italy, performing the role in London, Paris and New York. She was the soprano Verdi held in great esteem and for whom he had grand admiration. In fact, Verdi created the role of Cordelia in King Lear for Marietta, though he never completed the opera.
Singers from around the world, interested in participating in this competition are asked to send an electronic version of one Italian operatic aria and one classical song or aria in their native language to:
info@internationaloperatheater.org
Audio performances of the winners will be posted on the International Opera Theater website.
Judges for the competition will be led by Karen Saillant, Artistic Director of International Opera Theater and Harold Parker, bass-baritone and noted American teacher of singing.
Annual Marietta Piccolomini Cyber Opera Competition
Paul Frecker
First Prize: $500.
Second Prize: $300
In honor of Pinetina Center for Italian Arts and Culture.
Third Prize: $200
Last years' winners:
Kim Ah Young, Soprano (South Korea)
Anastasia Boldyreva, Mezzo Soprano (Russia)
Marietta Piccolomini Clementini, was born in 1834, in Siena, to an ancient and noble family. She made her debut at a very young age in Florence and had an electrifying career that was to take her to starring operatic roles in the most important theaters in Italy and the world. She frequently gave the proceeds from her concerts to the poor.
In 1860, Marietta retired from the stage, marrying Marquis Caetani della Fargna, of Citta della Pieve. She continued to dedicate her singing and her art to works of charity, singing on many occasions in Teatro Avvaloranti in Citta della Pieve, the theater where International Opera Theater presents their annual world premiere Italian operas.
