Five Boston University College of Fine Arts opera students were recognized at the New England Final Auditions for the New York Metropolitan Opera The Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions, held at the New England Conservatory, is an opportunity for the Metropolitan Opera to discover new talent and encourage young singers who are preparing for careers in the business.
“I went and watched last year, so I kind of knew what it would be like,” said Amanda Pabyan, a second-year graduate student in the College of Fine Arts who placed first at the competition. “But when you walk out on the stage, the energy is electric. It’s like a football game.”
Pabyan will move on to the national finals at the Metropolitan Opera House in New York this April. According to a press release, grants of up to $15,000 are up for grabs at the national level of competition.
“It’s the most important opera house in the country, so to be singing on the stage there will definitely be exciting,” Pabyan said.
Competing in the national finals has helped propel careers, according to Pabyan. Many opera companies, managers and agents attend, she said.
“It’s a good way to get your name out there,” Pabyan said.
Even placing third in the regional finals was a good resume booster, said David Crawford, a second-year graduate student. After graduation, he said he plans to try to keep working in the opera business.
“As soon as I’m done here, I will figure out what the next step is,” Crawford said. “Like all other careers, you need to get your foot in the door and then build slowly.”
Crawford said he credits his success to the caliber of his peers and instructors.
“Although I was given the third-place award, every singer in the voice programs at BU is outstanding,” Crawford said. “That’s the real reason I placed where I was.”
Two fellow students, Patrick Miller and Arturo Chacun Cruz, were finalists in the competition. Alan Schneider finished as a semi-finalist. The three students are studying at CFA’s Opera Institute Program.
According to Crawford, the competition was very tough. Only those judged to be the best in the region were there, he said.
Pabyan said those she heard were “really good singers,” and she knew some participants from working with them in the summer.
Crawford and Pabyan both said they did not drastically alter their practice styles to train for the competition.
“The only way you can prepare is years and years of hard work,” Crawford said.
Crawford has been singing opera for six years, since his voice studies as an undergraduate. His teacher pointed out he had a voice strong enough for opera, and he has been practicing since, he said.
Pabyan majored in musical theater until her sophomore year when she realized she enjoyed the musical aspect more. Opera is “just much more challenging,” she said.
The BU singers recognized at Sunday’s regional finals can be seen in the College of Fine Arts’ production of Mozart’s Cosi fan tutte Feb. 14- 17.
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