Twenty-four winners of regional rounds had come to New York for the semifinals of the auditions, now in their 52nd year. Semi-finalists were awarded $1,500 to further their studies.
Paul Corona will graduate with a bachelor of music degree in vocal performance from Northwestern University in June 2006. Upcoming engagements for the Illinois native include Osmin in Die Entf‹hrung aus dem Serail with Chicago Opera Theatre.
Tennessee native Holli Harrison has a master of music from Rice University. She sung the title role in Carmen and Annio in La clemenza di Tito with Pittsburgh Opera Center and Santuzza in Cavalleria Rusticana with Houston's Campanile Orchestra.
California native Katherine Jolly will sing the Dew Fairy in Hansel and Gretel with Opera Theatre of St. Louis, Zerbinetta in Ariadne auf Naxos with the Union Avenue Opera Theater in St. Louis, Missouri, and Morgana in Alcina with Opera Theatre of Lucca, Italy. She received her bachelor of music degree from Boston University and her master of music from University of Cincinnati's College-Conservatory of Music.
Marjorie Owens is in her first year as a member of the Lyric Opera Center for American Artists. While a member of the Houston Grand Opera Young Artist Studio, her roles included Countess Almaviva in Le nozze di Figaro and Xanthe in Lysistrata. The Virginia native is a graduate of Baylor University.
Florida native Donovan Singletary is currently a senior at Stetson University. His upcoming performances include the title role in a concert version of Porgy and Bess with the Stetson University Opera Theatre.
The Met auditions provide an opportunity for young singers from around the U.S. and Canada to sing for Met Opera representatives and to be identified as possible participants for the company's Lindemann Young Artist Development Program.
Many of the world's most successful singers, including Ren_e Fleming, Susan Graham, Thomas Hampson, Ben Heppner, Jessye Norman, Frederica von Stade, Deborah Voigt, and Dolora Zajick have received awards from the National Council. Annually, approximately 100 former auditioners appear in Metropolitan Opera productions.