Metropolitan Opera District Winners

The Metropolitan Opera is widely considered to be one of the finest performance institutions in the world and is well-known for its high-quality productions and its professionally distinguished performers. Last week in Salt Lake City the Metropolitan Opera National Council held their Utah District auditions, which auditions are used to discover and train the best available young talent around the country and the world. Out of the 26 in the district who competed, three were chosen for the next round of this national selecting process. These three talented young opera stars, along with accompanist Dr. Carol Anderson, joined us in the studio today to share some of the pieces they sang in their Met Opera auditions.  Kevin Smith is a 24 year-old bass-baritone and native of Provo, Utah. He’s a student at Brigham Young University and he was a Studio Artist with Utah Lyric Opera in July of 2014. Kacee Mickelsen is a 24 year-old soprano and native of Boise, Idaho. She is a graduate of Utah State University and she was a winner of the National Association of Teachers of Singing Competition for three years in college and a Festival Artist with the Utah Festival Opera Company in the summer of 2012. Addison Marlor is a 24 year-old tenor and native of Salt Lake City and is a student at Utah Valley University working toward a Bachelor of Music in vocal performance. He participated in the Castleton Artist Training Seminar in 2013.  These vibrantly talented singers share not only their remarkable voices with us, but also their dream roles, their inspirations, and their plans for the future.  Host: Steven Kapp Perry  Performers: Kevin Smith, bass-baritone; Kacee Mickelsen, soprano; Addison Marlor, tenor; Dr. Carol Anderson, piano;  Repertoire: MOZART “O Isis und Osiris” -- The Magic Flute; FLOYD “Ain’t It a Pretty Night” -- Susannah; PUCCINI “Chi il be Sagno” – La Rondine; GOUNOD “Ah! Léve-toi soleil” – Roméo et Juliette; DONIZETTI “Allegro io son” – Rita;  Follow Highway 89 on twitter @byuh89