ABERDEEN, S.D. – Two Northern State University students won this year’s Concerto-Aria Competition.

Held on Nov. 17, the competition is a project of the Aberdeen University/Civic Symphony in which vocal competitors must perform arias from operas. Instrumental competitors perform classical, romantic, impressionist and modern compositions, including works for soloist and orchestra.

An outside panel of three judges had to decide among 24 talented participants, but concluded on their two winners:

• Taylor Brekke, a soprano from Mobridge, S.D., and student of Dr. Darci Bultema performed Douglas Moore’s “Silver Aria” from The Ballad of Baby Doe.
• Molly Royals, clarinet instrumentalist from Rapid City, S.D., and student of Dr. Audrey Miller performed Carl Maria von Weber’s “Alla Polacca” (third movement) of Concerto no. 2 for Clarinet and Orchestra.

Both NSU students will perform with the Aberdeen University-Civic Symphony on Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019, at 7:30 p.m. in the JFAC Auditorium.

About Northern State University

Northern State University is a regional university that offers outstanding academics and exceptional extracurricular activities at an affordable price on a safe, welcoming campus. Northern State recently announced its Educational Impact Campaign with a goal of raising $55 million for a new South Dakota School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, new athletic and recreation fields, and an on-campus regional sports complex. Once the campaign is complete, NSU will be the recipient of more than $100 million in privately funded building projects and scholarships within a decade. To learn more, visit NSU Admissions.