Photo by Vibeke Johnson
Soprano Nicole Greenidge took the top prize at the inaugural James Toland Vocal Arts Competition last weekend. Selected from among 125 applicants from across the country and Canada. Fourteen finalists participated in the final rounds of the competition, which was split into two levels based on ability and vocal experience.
Greenidge was awarded the grand prize, which included a $5,000 cash award in addition to the opportunity to perform as a guest artist with the Oakland East Bay Symphony under Michael Morgan, who presented the award. Greenidge sang “Depuis le jour” from Louise by Charpentier, as well as “Dove Sono” from Mozart’s Le Nozze di Figaro at Holy Names University. A native of Portland, OR, she has performed with regional companies throughout the Northwest and is a featured soloist in the Grammy-nominated choral group Conspirare.
Other winners of the Tier I competition were mezzo-sopranos Abigail Levis, who placed third, and Kathryn Leemhuis, who placed second and also won the Tier I Audience Favorite award.
Mezzo-soprano Chelsea Lyons took the top award in the Tier II finals, also receiving the Tier II Audience Favorite award. The other Tier II prizes were awarded to mezzo-soprano Hannah Ludwig, who placed second, and tenor Alexander Taite, who placed third.