Sealord Aria Competition

Now in its fifth year, the competition always draws a strong array of entries, mainly from university music students. Organiser Jan Berthelsen-Smith says Sealord Aria is seen as a significant stepping-stone in this very competitive field, and this year the $3000 first prize has seven contenders.

We have some very interesting entries including a New Zealand Soprano, Clarissa Dunn, who has studied in Italy with maestro Wyn Davies and has performed in London and Berlin, Jan said. We also have Nelsonian Jody MacDonald, who is back for her third year, and one of Dame Malvina Major's students, soprano Elizabeth Daly.

Jan says Sealord Aria always draws an appreciative crowd: We can expect to hear some of our favourite arias sung by up and coming opera stars - Clarissa has elected to sing the famous Aria from La Boheme ŒSi, mi chiamano Mimi', which will sound wonderful in the School of Music auditorium.

This year's adjudicator, Gina Sanders, won this competition in 1990 when it was the Nelson Mail Aria. She is a soprano with extensive international and national experience as a professional soloist in opera, oratorio, choral music and at functions.

The Sealord Aria Competition is at the Nelson School of Music at 8pm on Saturday August 9. Tickets are $20 and $10 at the school.