I am digging several just beginning and just concluding local ensemble / amateur contests being run by classical public signals WQXR-FM in New York City and KDFC-FM in San Francisco.
KDFC-FM has just finished its Local Vocals High School Choir sing-off, and the prize goes to the Monte Vista High School Chamber Singers from Danville in Contra Costa County. I have to say, they deserve the award. Pretty beautiful singing:
I wish the blog post or YouTube description filled out a few more details about what they’re performing. Apparently it is some treatment of Pange Lingua, a Latin hymn penned by Thomas Aquinas back the thirteenth century. Anyway, good job to the composer as well, whoever she or he may be.
The Monte Vista choir is now off to claim its prize: an appearance at the NPR’s youth talent feature From The Top when the show comes to San Jose State in February.
Meanwhile WQXR has launched a Classical Moonlighter’s Competition. Basically you submit a video of your amateur performance by February 15. There are three age categories: 13-18, 19-34 and 35+. ‘QXR plans to post the entries and “fans and artists will be able to vote for their favorite acts.” I am not sure if this explains how the winners will be decided. In any event in May the finalists will compete at the Greene Space in New York City and the top category winners will receive some celebrity coaching and more performance opportunities.
Cool stuff. I’ll post the videos here if I can when they go up.
