March 13, 2015—The UO Opera Ensemble continued its winning streak last weekend at the National Association of Teachers of Singing Cascade Chapter’s Classical Festival, held March 7 at Portland State University.
The National Association of Teachers of Singing is the largest singing teachers’ association in the world, with members in more than 25 countries. NATS was formed to uphold a mandate of quality vocal teaching in the United States.
Under the direction of Dr. Karen Esquivel, UO students won in two festival categories. UO student winners included:
- Timothy McCoy (in the category of Advanced Adult Male, age 24+)
- April Phillips (Young Adult Female 21c, 22c, 23c)
McCoy was also the recipient of this year’s Dagny Gustafson Award, a $250 prize. McCoy was selected from among all the winners in all categories.
In addition, UO alumna Rebecca Sacks won in the category of Advanced Adult Female, age 24+.
UO student honorable mentions included:
- Matt Blumenstein (Young Adult Male 21a, 21b, 21c, 22c, 23b)
- Yuxin Zhou (Young Adult Female 19a, 19b, 20a, 20b)