Media Contact: Laurie Mellas-Ramirez, 277-5915

Jan. 30, 2003 UNM MUSIC STUDENT EARNS FIRST PLACE IN NATIONAL OPERA ASSOCIATION COMPETITION Andrea Clayton, a senior at the University of New Mexico majoring in vocal performance, placed first in the National Opera Association competition held in Washington, D.C. this past weekend. Samantha Phillips, a junior majoring in music, placed in the top six. Both are students of internationally acclaimed opera singer and director Marilyn Tyler who directs UNM's Opera Studies. "Andrea Clayton is a dedicated vocal disciple," Tyler said. "A fine student and singer, she has a special gift for communication and artistry. Her personality and voice reach out to all who hear her. I predict a genuine, motivated operatic career for her." Singers in the competition presented four arias in contrasting styles and periods in three languages, including one originally in English, at a level appropriate to their vocal development. The first place award carried a monetary prize and full $8,000 scholarship to the 2003 summer program in Graz, Austria. Clayton, who is Hispanic and African American, also received the association's prestigious Legacy Award, an honor given annually to a talented minority student. Clayton will sing Cherubino in the opera "The Marriage of Figaro" directed by Tyler at UNM's Rodey Theatre in late April and early May. She graduates from UNM next fall with a Bachelor of Music in vocal performance. She will then attend graduate school, possibly at the Manhattan School of Music, she said. The competition experience was "amazing," Clayton said. "It was so fun to see people who had important careers there to support the next generation." "This recognition will no doubt be an important asset as Andrea pursues a graduate career in a major opera program in the United States," said Music Department Chair Steven Block. "Andrea is another student in a long line of Professor Tyler's successes. Her protégés have moved on to great careers in opera," Block said, adding that this is Tyler's 20th year at UNM. Under Tyler's leadership the Opera Theatre has been the recipient of three National Opera Association awards. ###

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