Conservatory Vocalist Accepted Into Pittsburgh Young Artist Program by Charity Johnson ‘99
			Artist Diploma student Zara Barrett '01 of Chelmer, Australia Artist diploma student Zara Barrett ’01, from Chelmer, Australia, was invited to participate in the Pittsburgh Opera Young Artists program for the 2001-2002 season, which will include productions of Mozart’s Don Giovanni, Strauss’s Salome, Donizetti’s Lucia di Lammermoor, Weill’s Street Scene, and Puccini’s Madama Butterfly. "I was surprised and excited to be accepted, and I am definitely looking forward to this opportunity." says Barrett, who studies voice with Richard Miller, Wheeler Professor of Singing. "It is a highly respected program, and I really hope to make the most of it." Programs such as the Pittsburgh Opera Young Artists offer young singers the chance to gain performance experience and prepare for professional activities, says Barrett. "This program is a very important part of my future plans; a young artists program lets you continue to learn and explore as a performer and singer, whilst at the same time, allows you to make contacts which will lead to further opportunities." Pittsburgh Opera was only one of Barrett’s recent successes. She was alternate winner in the voice semi-finals of the Sorantin Young Artist Competition in November, and placed first at the Cleveland District 2000 Metropolitan Opera Guild Competition, advancing to the regional competition, which was held last January in Pittsburgh. After graduating in May, Barrett will take part in the Glimmerglass Opera Young American Artists summer program in Cooperstown, N.Y., before beginning at Pittsburgh Opera in the fall. Barrett says the main benefit of competitions is "the opportunity to be heard. It’s a great way to expose others in the business to my voice, and show them what I can do." The competition process also gives her an opportunity to focus on opera repertoire. "Exploring what is best for one’s voice and finding a niche is really important," she says. "Learning the music required for these competitions, most of which is from the opera repertoire, is a wonderful way for me to study arias, and discover what literature works for me." Miller praises Barrett’s "ability to put together the whole package - she is a very strong singer, a strong musician, and an expressive and vivacious communicator. All of these talents come through in her singing, and should provide her with some great opportunities in her career."
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