International Vocal Competition 2020

Morena La Vecchia Galan is a 19-year-old Argentinian singer studying in New York. She began studying piano at the age of seven and a year later also got emerged in the world of voice and guitar. In 2011, Morena entered the Children’s Choir of the Colon Theatre, making her perform with Zubin Mehta and with Jose Cura. Morena has been part of more than ten opera productions, international festivals, and concerts. At age of 15, she was selected to sing a solo part in Tosca in that same Theatre where she sung in languages including Chinese, Hebrew and Latin. Morena won prizes in Interscholar Soloist Competition and the ESU XX Singing Competition. Apart from studying classical music and receiving a Classical Music Voice diploma at ‘Manuel de Falla’ Conservatoire, she involved in Jazz working with Reginald Workman, musical theatre (leads in Legally Blonde, Mary Poppins, Wedding Singer) and other styles as pop, rock and tango. Currently Morena studying with Margaret Lattimore in Mannes School of Music.

Michael Goltry, 16, from Warrenton, VA. His performing arts interest began in middle school with inspirations from vocal coach and choral teachers. In eights grade he was placed as the number one tenor in the state of Virginia.  This experience enlightened his path toward a career in performing arts. Michael Goltry has been accepted into various intensives and choral festivals including American Choral Directors Association National Choir in Kansas City, MO, in 2019. Michael furthered his National choir experience with NAFME All National Honor Choir in 2019.  Then he was accepted into the Schmidt Vocal Institute summer intensive program as well as the WNO Kennedy Center summer intensive.  Lastly, Michael was recently accepted into NYU’s Tisch theater summer intensive program.

Emily Taylor Kaufman has been performing around South Florida since she was 6.  She is a featured National Anthem singer for the Miami Heat, Florida Marlins, Nascar and many other organizations. Emily is a member of the new Kids Global A- Cappella group ACAPOP! Kids which launched globally on all digital platforms @Acapopkids in 2019. Emily has been in 26 Musical Theater productions and would LOVE to perform on Broadway someday! She has won dance competitions for her Tap solos and Song & Dance performances. Emily was selected by Grammy winner PHIL COLLINS for his Miami mentoring program, and has performed with Phil onstage. She is the American Protégé International Vocal competition 2017 and 2018 first place winner and judges favorite! Emily is a 4^rd year Youth Ambassador for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation & loves swimming, playing piano, and nature. Emily also studies acting and would welcome a role on the small and big screen.

Roger Wang, 12, seventh grade student from South Forsyth Middle School in Cumming, Georgia. He won many awards in vocal competition and performance, include first place in Classical (2018), second place in Broadway (2019) from American Protégé Vocal competition. He ranked 2^nd place in Art Song at 2019 Hal Leonard Vocal Competition. Roger is the official National Anthem singer for professional sport teams including Atlanta Gladiators and Gwinnett Stripers. He was invited to host concerts and sing solo/duets at several concert around great Atlanta area. He is the first chair of his school chamber chorus which competes in national level. Roger participated GA all state chorus with perfect scores in two rounds of tough auditions. Roger also loves stage and musical theater, he played leading roles of his school drama club. Roger’s other hobby is ice hockey: his travel team brought home 3 championships in the last season.

Alexander G. Matos was born in Livingston, N.J. From the age of nine, Alexander has performed and competed in numerous competitions throughout Florida. He has been invited several times to sing the National Anthem at The Florida Marlins Major League Baseball Park and has performed at numerous charities, holiday, and community events. Last year, Alexander was invited to sing at the American Protégé International Competition at Carnegie Hall where he sang Opera Aria. He loves to sing Opera and is dedicated to becoming an Opera Tenor.  Alexander also plays the piano and guitar.  He is currently developing his skills and techniques for voice under the tutorship of Mr. Mike Soper. Alexander has a passion for music and is gifted with the ability to sing many songs from various cultures.  Notably, Alexander has been selected to attend the prestigious BAK Middle School of the Arts in West Palm Beach, FL, for voice where he is now entering his 7^th grade.

Nicole Hodges is 10 years old and lives in Texas. She has been under the tutelage of Miss Carol Hodgin since 2019, mastering her classical and Broadway vocal techniques. She has also been a student of the Sarah Kelly Music school for the last five years, which focuses on singing and song writing. Nicole has written dozens of songs and is currently working on releasing her first single. Nicole loves all musical activities and is also actively involved in her school choir. She also plays the piano, participates in annual piano festivals and is actively involved in musical theater. She has participated in local theater productions of Frozen Jr. and was recently cast as Young Cosette for the school edition of Les Miserables. Nicole also loves to travel, write stories, and read.

Anne Gao, a lively rising 4th grader from northern Virginia, USA.   She loves the stage and has been involved in singing and acting in multiple TV Variety shows and stage shows since she was 4-year-old.  While singing has always been a significant part of her life, Anne also loves playing violin and Chinese zither.  She has been a vocal student at Harmonia School of Music & Art since 2019 and participated proactively in all kinds of school performances.   Anne performed in the “The 36th Annual Production of The Christmas Revels” presented by Washington Revels and participated in various musical shows such as “Seussical Kids” and “101 Dalmatians”.