The 2015 Rochester Classical Idol Vocal Competition

Democrat and Chronicle music writer Daniel Kushner previewed this year's contest.

It's a pleasure to support the choral arts in Rochester by listening to inspired singing in the Classical Idol Competition, an annual fundraiser for the Rochester Oratorio Society.  I've been honored to served as the emcee for several years. This year I took a few pictures from the stage.  Enjoy!

Organizers sold so many last minute tickets that they had to run out for extra desserts.

Soprano Laura Strickling, having just finished singing an art song by Libby Larsen, listens to feedback from WXXI Music Director Julia Figueras, who served on the judges panel.  In this picture Laura doesn't yet know that she'll be named both the first prize winner and audience favorite.

Polish-born mezzo-soprano Magdelena Wor was named second prize winner for her performance of "Parto, parto" from Mozart's opera La Clemenza di Tito.

After the contest, all the finalists lined up for pictures.

Another great pleasure of the Idol competition is seeing old friends such as ROS member and patron Katie McNally.

Past Idol winner Jonathan Beyer (who served as a judge this year) greets ROS Historian and Registrar Jo Ann Lampman.

Winner Laura Strickling meets classical music writer and librettist Daniel Kushner.

Like most girls, I love to play dress up!  This gorgeous pearl jewelry handmade by Michael Banzhaf was lent to me by a friend, art collector, and yoga instructor Heidi Freidrich. The chain was a birthday present from another wonderful friend, stylist Carin Lilja. 

See you April 16, 2016 for the next Idol competition.