CCM Students Advance to Met Opera Central Region Finals in Chicago

Congratulations to two of our own: soprano Xi Wang and mezzo-soprano Audrey Walstrom, both of whom have advanced to the next round in the Metropolitan Opera National Council (MONC) Auditions!

Amongst stiff competition, Wang and Walstrom were singled out by the judges and now move on to the Central Region Finals in Chicago. Also receiving accolades was mezzo-soprano Deborah Nansteel, who was given an encouragement award by the judges.

MONC is a program designed to discover promising young opera singers and assist in the development of their careers. Many of the world’s foremost singers, including Renée Fleming, Susan Graham, Thomas Hampson, Ben Heppner, Jessye Norman, Samuel Ramey, Frederica von Stade, Deborah Voigt and Dolora Zajick have received awards from the National Council. Annually, approximately 100 former auditioners appear in Metropolitan Opera productions.

CCM Slideshows: The Rape of Lucretia

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This week, CCM proudly presents The Rape of Lucretia (1946). Virtue is threatened by corruption in this haunting chamber opera. In ancient times, the city of Rome has fallen into depravity and it seems the only honorable woman who remains is Lucretia. The king’s son seethes with jealousy, determined to test Lucretia’s chastity. The events that ensue become a symbol of the regime’s oppression, sparking an uprising among the people. Featuring some of Britten’s most beautiful music, the opera conveys with intense passion the struggle between evil and redemption. Sung in English with supertitles.