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CHRISTINA MICHELLE RIVERA FINISHES SECOND
FOLLOWED BY MAI WASHIO
Emily Ross-Johnson, an opera singer from the Bronx, won the top prize at the 3rd Annual Little Italy Sopranos Vocal Competition held Saturday afternoon, July 26, 2008 in New York City’s historic Little Italy. Christina Michelle Rivera, of Ocean Township, NJ, finished in the first runner-up position in the field of a dozen multi-talented singers who came from as far away as San Antonio to compete. The competition was so tight that the panel of three judges also added a third finalist, Mai Washio, of Manhattan.
Ms. Ross-Johnson received a cash prize of $750 and runner-up Christina Michelle Rivera was awarded $250. All three finalists have been invited to participate in a special convert, for which they will be paid, during the upcoming 81st Annual Feast of San Gennaro which will be held in Little Italy from September 11 through September 21, 2008.
Soprano Melanie Long, who won the initial competition in 2006 as a graduate student at the Manhattan School of Music, emceed the competition and sang two arias during the afternoon. David Maiullo, an acclaimed vocal coach and conductor, provided the piano accompaniment for the contestants.
The competition was judged by a panel of three experts, including James Harwood, Founder and President of Harwood Management Group Incorporated, a diversified arts management organization encompassing multiple aspects of the performing arts industry; Lewis Ehlers, an associate with Lombardo Artists Management in New York City who since 1994 has been working as an artist manager, personal representative and career advisor to a roster of over 175 singers, conductors and stage directors; and Duane D. Printz, Founding Executive and Artistic Director of Teatro Grattacielo, an opera company, now in its 14th year, devoted to reviving Italian verisimo operas and assisting emerging young singers in advancing their careers through performance opportunities.
Summer in Little Italy, presented by the Little Italy Merchants Association (LIMA), is sponsored by Pepsi Cola/Schweppes/7-Up, ‘The Official Soft Drinks of NYC’s Little Italy;’ Colavita, ‘The Official Olive Oil and Pasta of NYC’s Little Italy;’ Carmelina…’e San Marzano® Tomatoes, ‘The Official Tomato of NYC’s Little Italy;’ Gabriella™ of Italy, ‘The Official artisan cheeses of NYC’s Little Italy;’ Bolla Wines, ‘The Official Wine of NYC’s Little Italy,’ Peroni Beer, ‘The Official Beer of NYC’s Little Italy,’ and The Italian Tribune.
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