Praised as a “mature artist with a voluminous sound,” baritone and composer Joel Balzun is establishing himself as an experienced new voice on the musical scene. Highlights of his 2021–2022 season include role debuts as Dandini (La Cenerentola) for Pacific Opera Project, Germont (La traviata) for Opera Santa Barbara, Vaughan Williams’ Dona Nobis Pacem and Five Mystical Songs for San Luis Obispo Master Chorale, as well as recitals that include the world premiere of a work by Tom Cipullo. He has been successful in numerous competitions, garnering prizes from the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions (Los Angeles District and Western Region), the CS Music Vocal Competition, the Lyndon Woodside Oratorio-Solo Competition, the Houston Saengerbund Vocal Competition and the Orpheus National Vocal Competition.

Repertoire Final

RICHARD STRAUSS (1864-1949)
Arabella, op. 79: “Sie gibt mir keinen Blick”

GIOACHINO ROSSINI (1792-1868)
William Tell: “Sois immobile”

GUSTAV MAHLER (1860-1911)
I. Wenn mein Schatz Hochzeit macht
II. Ging heut’ morgen über’s Feld
III. Ich hab’ ein glühend Messer
IV. Die zwei blauen Augen von meinem Schatz

FELIX MENDELSSOHN (1809-1847)
Elijah, op. 70: “It is enough, O Lord now take away my life”

Final Round

Piano: Kevin Garnica

Repertoire Semifinal

RUGGERO LEONCAVALLO (1857-1919)
Pagliacci: “Si può? Si può?”

SAMUEL BARBER (1910-1981)
Hermit Songs, op. 29
I. At Saint Patrick’ Purgatory
III. St. Ita’s Vision
V. The Crucifixion
X. The Desire for Hermitage

CHERYL COONEY (Born in 1953)
Chansons, “Fairies with Green Hair and other Tales”
I. Sous le pont Mirabeau

WOLFGANG AMADEUS MOZART (1757-1791)
Le nozze di Figaro, K. 492: “Vedro mentr’io sospiro”

Semifinal Round

Piano: Kevin Garnica