STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Was it the music of Rossini, Puccini or Bellini that caught the attention of the “Italian Idol” judges? Ultimately, a Catalani opera piece won the competition, a 21-year tradition at Wagner College thanks to Licia Albanese-Puccini Foundation.

The showdown took place on October 25 by some of the most accomplished music and theater students on the Grymes Hill campus.

In alphabetical order, the contestants who sang in front of a packed house included Selina Amargo, Abigail Bernesky, Sydney Cox, Victoria Dimino, Destiny Elias, Willow Fallon, Cailin Kiefski, Miriam Lupu, Gianna Marini, Marc Mundsinger, Molly Nemirow, Cassandra Nieves, Giulianna Paradiso, Anthony Romano, Joey Savage, Jade Iris Schoenfeld And Daniel Manuel Torres.

The evening was organized by Wagner Professor Anthony Turner and featured collaborative pianist Professor Giovanni Longo. The jury included Gregory Sheppard, Donald LevineAnd Jeremiah Abiah.

Founded in 2003 by Roger Wesby and the DaVinci Society, Wagner College’s Italian idol singing competition began as a small competition among students to celebrate Italian cultural heritage.

Over time, the competition grew in prestige, featuring high-ranking judges from the vocal performance community and increasing rewards through donations. A pivotal moment occurred six years ago when the Licia Albanese-Puccini Foundation donated $50,000 after attending the event, leading to the pageant being named in memory of Licia Albanese.

In memory of Licia Albanese

Licia Albanese (1909–2014) was an American operator of Italian origin soprano. Noted in particular for her representations of the lyrical heroines of Verdi And Puccinishe enjoyed a long and distinguished career, performing in prestigious venues such as the Metropolitan Opera, where she was a favorite from the 1940s to the 1960s.

In addition to her performances, Albanese was a dedicated educator, sharing her expertise with young singers and inspiring the next generation of talent. His legacy endures and is a testament to his artistic talent and passion for opera.

Each person who placed received a cash prize. Here is the list of winners.

Honorable mention: Molly Nemirow

Performed “Cruda sorte!…Già so per pratica” from L’ITALIANA IN ALGERI by Gioachino Rossini to win $750

Molly Nemirow is a senior double majoring in vocal performance and mathematics from Reading, Pennsylvania. Some favorite past roles include La Zia Principessa (SUOR ANGELICA) and The Witch (INTO THE WOODS)

Third prize: Joey Savage

Performed “Vaga luna, che inargenti” by Vincenzo Bellini to win $1,000

Joey Savage is a sophomore double majoring in Theater Performance and Design, Technology and Management from Lehi, Utah. Some of his favorite credits are Sweeney Todd (SWEENEY TODD) and Sir John Tremayne (ME AND MY GIRL).

Second prize: Abigail Bernesky

Performed “Piangerò la sorte mia” by GIULIO CESARE by George Frideric Händel for a price of $2,000

Abigail Bernesky is a junior double major in theater performance and arts administration. Some of his more recent credits at Wagner College include John Wesley Powell in MEN ON BOATS and Ensemble (Bird Girl & Wickersham #1 understudy) in SEUSSICAL.

First prize: Selina Amargo

Did you play “Ebben?” Ne andrò lontana” from LA WALLY by Alfredo Catalani for a price of $3,000

Selina Amargo is a junior design, technology and management major with a minor in music from Narragansett, Rhode Island. This year for Wagner College Theater she was Associate Lighting Designer for WCT DANCE and is currently Associate Scenic Designer for CITY OF ANGELS and Stage Manager for AND AWAY WE GO. In the spring, I will serve as assistant technical director for ONCE UPON A MATTRESS, costume designer for ROMEO AND JULIET and set designer for HEROES OF THE FOURTH TURNING. Upcoming opportunities to hear her sing include Wagner College Opera’s fall stage program – December 6 and 7 at 7:30 p.m. in Wagner College’s Main Hall Theater – and Wagner College Opera’s spring production College of THE MAGIC FLUTE – May 10 and 11 at 7:30 p.m. at the Main Hall Theater at Wagner College.

The credits roll

Wagner College has shared a list of supporters who will be noted in full: Mary Braithwaite, Jay Chazanoff in memory of Lucille Chazanoff, Roy and Lorraine Danischewski, Roseann DiVernieri, Dr. Adrienne A. Ferretti, Michael Fornabaio, Robert and Barbara Gigante, Gregg T. Iliceto, In Memory of Anne B. Lind, Brian McCormack, Dr. Daniel and Joanne Megna, Trevor A. Mills, Alfred and Christine Palladino, Tommie L. Pegues and Donald A. Capoccia, Timothy and Janet Pranschke, Anthony Turner, Marguerite V. van Stolk, and Dr. Roger and Barbara Wesby.

A representative from Wagner College said, “We express our sincere gratitude to the following individuals and institutions who contributed mightily to this event: The Licia Albanese-Puccini Foundation for its generous donation of $50,000.00; Mr. Joseph (Maria) Gimma, son of Licia Albanese; The Da Vinci Society – Mr. Robert J. Scamardella, Esq., President; Dr Roger Wesby, founder of the Italian Idol competition; Professor Anthony Turner, for his fundraising, promotional efforts and commitment to this event; Professor Alan Dornak and the Orfeo Vocal Arts Academy for their generous scholarship; Professor Giovanni Longo, for his artistic talent, support and dedication to our singers.

The school spokesperson added: “Finally, we would like to thank the voice faculty of the Wagner College Department of Music — Hilary Baboukis, Alyssa Click, Alan Dornak, Vincent Graña, Julia Lamon, Elizabeth McCullough, Elizabeth Perryman, Michelle Siemens, Anthony Turner. , Amy Williams.”

To learn more about Wagner College’s arts program, visit wagner.edu/performing-arts.