Finalists set for Fox Valley Rising Stars Vocal Competition at Fest on the Fox
Singers who will participate in the Fox Valley Rising Stars Vocal Competition were determined after a preliminary round June 30.
Soirée Lyrique's 2018 competition will take place during Fest on the Fox, presented by the Northern Kane County Chamber of Commerce. It will begin at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, July 14, at Carpenter Park in Carpentersville. In case of rain, it may be moved to Evangelical Covenant Church, 1565 Larkin Ave. in Elgin.
Singers will compete in two categories, Broadway and classical, divided into Division I for age group, 18 or younger, and Division II for age 19 or older.
Finalists are:
Division I - Broadway
Berkeley Borkert, 13, West Dundee
Blake Buczkiewicz, 14, Huntley
Mary Calabria, 15, Darien
Catherine Colbert, 13, Bartlett
Division I - Classical
Blake Buczkiewicz, 14, Huntley
Berkeley Borkert, 13, West Dundee
Isabella Nicoli, 17, Elmhurst
Division II - Broadway
Joan Bagulos, Hoffman Estates
Valerie Meachum, Elgin
Heather Miller, Wheaton
Division II - Classical
Nini Marchese, Lisle
Nicholas Metzger, Elgin
Kelsey Welch, Chicago
The vocal contest will be held on the stage at the historic park at 351 Carpenter Blvd.
"We want to encourage the young singers," Soirée Lyrique artistic director Solange Sior said. "There's so much talent out there and so few opportunities for them."
Local bands, restaurants, businesses and talent participate in the event.
"Northern Kane County Fest on the Fox is a great way to celebrate our community," said Melissa Hernandez, president of Northern Kane County Chamber of Commerce.
Charitable 5K, car Show and Baggo tournament offer excitement and opportunities for everyone to come out and enjoy a beautiful day, she said.
Finalists will compete in front of a panel of judges and a live audience at the July fest. Winners will receive cash awards.
Cash awards for 18 or younger under include: $100 for first place in Broadway; $150 for first place classical; $50 for second place; and $25 for third place. Awards for 19 or older include $200 for first place in Broadway; $300 for first place classical; $100 for second place; and $50 for third place.
The Vocal Competition is sponsored by the Barbara and Barre Seid Foundation in memory of Stu Ainsworth.
The mission of Soirée Lyrique, NFP is to create an appreciation of classical and vocal arts and to educate through professional performances and community outreach programs in Elgin and the Fox Valley.
For information, visit www.soireelyrique.org.
For information on Fest on the Fox go to www.nkcchamber.com.