Anna Leese Wins Mobil Song Quest

Anna Leese, a 21 year old soprano from Woodville, has won the Mobil Song Quest 2002.

Currently living in Dunedin while studying for a BMus (Hons) degree in voice at Otago University, she has won a cash prize of $10,000 and a study scholarship of up to $15,000 plus international air travel. Anna was chosen from among six finalists who performed at a public concert at the Michael Fowler Centre in Wellington tonight, accompanied by pianist Terence Dennis and by the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, conducted by British conductor Michael Lloyd.

“Anna has enormous potential and will be able to make great use of the study scholarship,” the contest judge, Anthony Rolfe Johnson, said. Mr Johnson, a tenor, is one of England's most distinguished singers. He has a vast range of recordings to his name, reflecting his worldwide reputation as an interpreter of Bach, Handel, Haydn, Mozart and Britten.

Kate Spence, a mezzo from Rotorua was runner up and will receive $8,000 cash and a study scholarship of up to $10,000, while Ana James, a soprano from Dunedin came third and will receive $5,000 and a study scholarship of $5,000.

The other three finalists, Andrew Conley, a baritone from Auckland, Majka Kaiser, a mezzo from Christchurch, and Anna Pierard, a soprano from Napier each receive $3500 cash.

“The six finalists have already gone a long way in their musical careers and they have the potential to develop further. Contests such as the Mobil Song Quest are a great encouragement for talented singers with great potential, such as these,” Mr Johnson said

The Mobil Song Quest is New Zealand's premier vocal competition. It has provided a springboard for the careers of many opera singers including Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, Dame Malvina Major, Christopher Doig, Teddy Tahu Rhodes and Jonathan Lemalu.

ENDS

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