Published: 15 November 2010
Category: Vocal & Opera

John Chest is the winner of the 2010 Stella Maris International Vocal Competition. The American baritone, 25, triumphed at the unique annual event, which takes place on a luxury cruise ship, the Europa.

Eight of the world’s most renowned opera houses each nominate one up-and-coming musical talent for the competition. Chest was put forward by the Bayerische Staatsoper, Munich, where he is a member of the Opera Studio. The other competing singers were from the young artists’ programmes run by the Royal Opera House London, the Canadian Opera Company Toronto, Accademia Teatro alla Scala Milan, Hamburg State Opera, Opéra National de Paris, Merola Opera Program San Francisco Opera and the Zurich Opera House.

The Europa cruised the eastern Mediterranean during the competition, which took place over four rounds and was judged by an expert panel and the audience. Chest's prize includes a test recording with the Deutsche Grammophon label.

Writer and opera critic Yehuda Shapiro, who covered Stella Maris 2010, said: “It was clear from Round One of the competition that John Chest had something special to offer. Quite apart from his rich, firm baritone, he communicates intensely through his colouring of timbre and text and his sympathetic, poised presence. In diverse repertoire – Rossini, Korngold, Schubert, Mendelssohn and Britten – he consistently compelled the audience’s attention.”

Previous article Next article