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Patterned on "American Idol," with winners selected by audience vote, the community-wide contest netted six finalists:
Philip Jennings, tenor, Oxford, Ohio
Daniel Moody, countertenor, Moscow, Ohio
Margaret Russo, soprano, Cincinnati (Hyde Park)
Quarndra Ryan, soprano, Cincinnati (Wyoming)
Steven Shafer, baritone, Cincinnati (Cheviot)
Jenny Smith, soprano, Cincinnati (West Chester)
Phillip Jennings
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Daniel Moody
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Margaret Russo
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Quandra Ryan
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Steven Shafer
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Jenny Smith
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Each singer was heard live along with commentary by four judges, Cincinnati Opera chorus master Henry Venanzi, WIZF on-air personality Jade West, famed chef Jean-Robert de Cavel, now chef-in-residence at the Midwest Culinary Institute, and long-time Cincinnati Opera subscriber Maria McLaughlin, originally from Mexico, who works for the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
Videos of the finalists' performances and their biographies will be posted on Cincinnati Opera's web site, www.cincinnatiopera.org beginning June 29. The public is invited to vote their favorites online.
Response to the online voting will determine the winner, who will be announced at the Opera's season finale "Carmen," opening July 22 at Music Hall.
Grand prize is a $3,500 contract with Cincinnati Opera.