Brian Vu named Grand Finalist of Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions

Pittsburgh Opera Resident Artist Brian Vu named Grand Finalist in Metropolitan Opera’s 2016 National Council Auditions

_{March 7, 2016}

Pittsburgh, PA…

Pittsburgh Opera Resident Artist Brian Vu has been named a Grand Finalist in the Metropolitan Opera’s 2016 National Council Auditions.

The Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions, begun in 1954, are “designed to discover promising young opera singers and assist in the development of their careers.” It’s safe to say that the auditions have succeeded in achieving both those goals, helping launch the careers of many of opera's greatest stars. Past winners include Renée Fleming, Patricia Racette (who will sing the title role of Salome for Pittsburgh Opera in November), Denyce Graves (who will sing the role of Grace in Pittsburgh Opera’s world premiere of The Summer King – The Josh Gibson Story- in April 2017),  and dozens more.

Thousands of singers apply each year. The selection process involves a series of District and Regional competitions, bubbling up to yesterday’s National Semi-Finals. Mr. Vu was named a winner for the North Carolina District and then for the Southeast Region before advancing to the semi-finals.

“No one who has heard Brian sing will be surprised to learn he is a Grand Finalist”, said Pittsburgh Opera General Director Christopher Hahn. “Audiences and critics have raved about him in our sold-out performances of Little Women and 27. His voice and expressive personality, combined with his dedication to his craft, clearly set him apart.”

The finals will be held on Sunday, March 13th at the Metropolitan Opera House in New York City. Mr. Vu and the other finalists will be accompanied by the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, which will be conducted by Pittsburgh Opera Music Director Antony Walker.