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New York opera auditions in Peoria

By Joe Bennett
February 17, 2013 Updated Feb 18, 2013 at 12:55 PM CDT

PEORIA, Ill -- What does Peoria have in common with Miami and New York City?

All three cities are hosting vocalist competitions for the New York Lyric Opera Theatre.

About 50 opera singers from the Midwest were expected at Sunday's regional competition at Bradley University.

There are three divisions for singers: high school, college, and advanced levels.

The New York Theatre's Artistic Director is a Peoria native herself and says the talent in the Midwest can be compared to the talent in bigger markets.

"We had so many amazingly talented singers that auditioned for the competition last year, and they were from the Midwest division, " says Artistic Director Elizabeth Heuermann. "Actually, per capita we had a very high level of talent so we were really impressed with this area, so we are really happy to be back."

Finalists competing in New York this May will be awarded $5,000 in prizes and a chance to audition for Symphony Stage on Broadway.

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