Schmidt Vocal Competition, a prestigious national singing competition, presents thousands of dollars in awards each year
(Winston-Salem, NC) March 18, 2019 – High school student, Ella Rescigno, Columbia, SC, who is a sophomore, has won first prize and best sophomore in the prestigious Schmidt Vocal Competition, a singing competition for sophomore, junior and senior high school singers that presents cash awards to more than 150 people annually. The competition took place at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts on March 9. Ella Rescigno awarded $2,500 for her performance of “Ma rendi pur contento” by Vincenzo Bellini.
Additional winners were: Spencer DesChenes, Second Place; Keller Jones, Third Place; Marisa Bringewatt, Kaitlin Case, Haley Evans, Sara Gordon, Alex Manley, Ojas Patwardhan, Annabelle Welford-Small, finalists; Alex Manley, Ariel Olaleye, Encouragement Awards; Halee Myers, Broadway Bound Award.
“Congratulations to Ella Rescigno and the many other talented singers who participated in this year’s Schmidt Vocal Competition,” said Ben Smolder, Director of the Schmidt Vocal Competition. “These students work hard to practice and prepare for the competition. We’re committed to helping them pursue their passion. The Schmidt Vocal Competition offers students the opportunity to perform in front of live audiences, receive invaluable instruction from world-renowned artists and professionals, and connect with mentors and experienced singers to explore a career in classical singing.”
“I entered the Schmidt Vocal Competition to experience a live competition with amazing adjudicators who provide valuable feedback,” said first prize winner, Ella Rescigno. “From start to finish, the competition exceeded my expectation. The performance level of every singer was outstanding, and the master classes were transforming for each participant. When my name was announced as the ‘Best Sophomore,’ I was very proud, but I was overjoyed when they called my name as the ‘Winner.’ To be selected among such great talent is such an honor. I am grateful for the William E Schmidt Foundation and their contribution to the arts. Their desire to inspire young singers is overwhelming to me!”
About Schmidt Vocal Competition
The Schmidt Vocal Competition has impacted the lives of thousands of young students over the past two decades, offering awards, scholarship and educational experiences for more than 150 students annually. The Schmidt Vocal Competition is held annually in 16 locations throughout the U.S. in partnership with regional colleges and universities and is open to sophomore, junior and senior high school singers. Competitors perform in front of a live audience in two rounds and participate in educational master classes with some of today’s most renowned professionals between the preliminary and final rounds.
Schmidt Competition participants have gone on to gain entrance into the world’s finest music schools and include winners of the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions, the George London Competition, the National Association of Teachers of Singing Artist Competition, Classical Singer, and the National Opera Association Award. The Schmidt Vocal Competition is funded by the William E. Schmidt Foundation, which encourages aspiring young singers to pursue their passion in vocal arts and provides support and inspiration to future generations of singers.
About Ella Rescigno
Ella Rescigno is a 16-year-old sophomore from Columbia, SC. Her formal training and passion for classical and operatic music began at age 11. As a classically trained soprano, she enjoys singing in Italian, French, German, and English. Ella has performed in regional and professional theatre. Her credits include “Penny Pingleton” in Hairspray, and “Jacqueline Bouvier” in Grey Gardens. Ella’s opera credits include the “Second Spirit” in The Magic Flute with the New York Lyric Opera, “Aline” in The Sorcerer abridged version, and “Louise” in Sunday in the Park with George. She enjoys participating in master classes and cabarets while continuing her training in voice, piano, and acting. www.ellarescigno.com