As singing competitions continue to abound on television, La Porte County Symphony Orchestra marks the 13th anniversary of its contest for amateur singers.
Hoosier Star on Sept. 8 at the La Porte Civic Auditorium offers five adult and five youth finalists the opportunity to sing with a live orchestra and compete for cash prizes. Classical, country, pop, rock and swing are among the musical styles involved.
“I’ve been a fan of ‘American Idol,’ ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ and ‘America’s Got Talent.’ I’m a sucker for these shows. I love them,” said Alastair Willis, guest conductor for Hoosier Star, via phone from South Bend.
“To learn that an orchestra very nearby has had such a tradition and has done this for quite a while, has figured out all the kinks and is really successful, I’m really fascinated by that. If I wasn’t conducting, I’d probably go along for the experience.
“I love to get a chance to be part of it. This is thrilling and I’m just excited to share in the success of the night.”
Willis, the music director of South Bend Symphony Orchestra, makes his debut with La Porte County Symphony Orchestra at Hoosier Star, which also features encore performances of the previous year’s winners.
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“I hope to bring a high sense of professionalism to each of the candidates and the orchestra in a supportive role,” said Willis, who travels between his Seattle home and South Bend for work, which also includes guest conducting around the world.
Hoosier Star audition judges Ken Grace Jr., Lee Meyer and Mary Kay Steele chose Laurel Blankenship of LaPorte, Abby Bradley of LaPorte, Mike Green of LaPorte, Julia Obendorf and Rachel Lenker (duet) of Middlebury and Robert Penney of Valparaiso, as finalists in the adult division (ages 18 and older).
The judges’ picks for finalists in the youth division (ages 17 and younger) are Maggie Cornett of LaPorte, Afyah Giuliani of LaPorte, Joseph Giuliani of LaPorte, Jacob Griffin of Michigan City, and Molly Lenig of Rolling Prairie.
“In most concerts there is a concerto or a solo and, of course, I know how to accompany that but, on average, the majority of the pieces in the program are not with soloists,” said Willis about the difference between Hoosier Star and other orchestra performances.
“My role is about giving my best and the orchestra’s best so that each candidate can do their best.”
Willis shared in a Grammy nomination for best classical album for the 2009 release of Maurice Ravel’s “L’Enfant et Les Sortileges (The Child and the Spells),” which featured Willis conducting the Nashville Symphony.
“It’s a huge honor. It was one of the highlights of my life,” he said.
“I’m totally conscious that the Grammy nomination wasn’t just me. It was the entire team in Nashville that we had — all the singers, all the orchestra, all the administration. It’s very much a shared honor. It was an amazing experience.”
Rehearsals for Hoosier Star began on Aug. 18 with La Porte County Symphony Orchestra interim music director Charles Steck. Willis takes over Sept. 7 to work with finalists only two times before what the orchestra calls “the party of the year.”
The Hoosier Star audience votes for the winners. Adult division prizes are $1,000 for first place and $500 for second place while youth division prizes are $500 for first place and $250 for second place.
Hoosier Star
When: 7 p.m. Sept. 8
Where: The La Porte Civic Auditorium, 1001 Ridge St., LaPorte
Tickets: $15 adults; $10 students with identification; $5 ages younger than 12
Information: 219-362-9020; www.hoosierstar.com