Congratulations to the semi-finalists who will compete for the prize on March 26th. Here is a list:

The Women’s Musical Club of Winnipeg is proud to announce the 2016 semi-finalists in the WMC McLellan Competition for Solo Performance with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra. Coded entry MP3s were adjudicated on-line by 6 professional musicians, and the following (in alphabetical order) were chosen to audition:

The 12 semi-finalists (in alphabetical order) are:

Natalie Dawe, cello
Everett Hopfner, piano
Zander Howard-Scott, cello
Jaena Kim, flute
Jason Klippenstein, baritone
Gregory Lewis, violin
Anne-Marie MacIntosh, soprano
Jesse Plessis, piano
Daniel Tselyakov, piano
Paul Williamson, piano
Caitlin Wood, soprano
Tony Zhou, piano

The competition is open to advanced Manitoba musicians pursuing performance careers in all disciplines including voice. It offers a unique rehearsal and performance opportunity with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra for emerging classical musicians, as well as a substantial financial award.

Semi-final auditions take place on Saturday March 26, 2016, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, in the Muriel Richardson Auditorium of the Winnipeg Art Gallery. Three finalists will be selected by a panel of national and international adjudicators. Please consider attending for the whole day, or part of it; an audience is encouraged! Admission $10 at the door (no admission during an audition). Please go to the WMC web site for individual semi-final audition times: www.womensmusicalclubofwpg.ca, or phone 204-944-9431.

You are also invited to attend the Final Competition Concert with the WSO, and the Award Ceremony, on Friday, April 22, 2016, 7:30 pm at Jubilee Place Auditorium, 180 Riverton Avenue. The three finalists will appear in performance with the WSO, and will be ranked by another set of adjudicators. The final concert is always an evening of great music with outstanding Manitoba talent. At the conclusion of the concert the finalists will be ranked first, second and third, and receive awards of $10,000, $6,000 and $4,000 respectively. A thrilling finish to a great competition!

Tickets are $30 from McNally Robinson Booksellers, WSO box office, or at the door. Students (with ID cards) $5, at the door only.

For further information: 204-944-9431 ~~ www.womensmusicalclubofwpg.ca