By Marni Barta

Three Chamber Singers took more than half of the top five winning spots in the Southern California Vocal Association’s Vocal Solo Competition.

After singing for a crowd of nearly 800 on May 6, Julian Hicks ’08 took first place, followed by Carolyn Berliner ’07 in second and Kurt Kanazawa ’07 in fourth.

Throughout Los Angeles, 150 singers competed in the initial round.
Nineteen Bel Canto and Chamber Singers members took part in the first round of the competition. Five made it through to the second round. 

The three singers admitted to the third round were selected by professional adjudicators, who announced the order of the winners at the final performance.

“It’s an incredibly rewarding learning experience for our singers, and not just for those who were fortunate enough to have been chosen to compete in the semifinals and finals,” Choral Director Rodger Guerrero said.

“I have never been prouder of a group than this one.”