Two students of Mater Dei Prep, Middletown, were named Nov. 2 as finalists for the Algonquin Arts Theater Rising Stars – a classical music competition that culminates in the group of finalists giving a concert Nov. 14 in the Algonquin Arts Theater, Manasquan.
Junior Yancheng “Cash” Zhang was named a finalist for his opera performance of “Caro Mio Ben” in Italian. Jacob Callas, senior, was selected for his piano performance of “Scriabin Prelude Opus 13 Number 1.” Zhang and Callas are both members of the Mater Dei Prep Performing Arts Institute and Seraph Players.
Algonquin Arts Theater Rising Stars, now in its 20th year, is a music education and enrichment program for the best high school classical musicians and vocalists in New Jersey. The Rising Stars competition and performance is open to all high school students in the state, and features a guest mentor who will provide feedback to each finalist on the concert day.
“I am extremely honored to be selected as a finalist for the Algonquin Rising Stars,” said Zhang. “This will be a tremendous asset on my college application and will help me achieve my dream of being part of the Metropolitan Opera.”
“This is a wonderful opportunity to perform in front of a renowned mentor that will provide me tremendous feedback and help me progress my talent,” Callas reflected. “I have always loved playing the piano, and I’m excited to perform on the big stage at the Algonquin Arts Theater. It is an honor to be recognized as a finalist amongst the top musicians in New Jersey.”
Participants in the Rising Stars program were selected through a highly competitive audition process. The theater receives numerous entries from across the state, and only a limited number of applicants are ultimately selected.