Soprano soloist Chary Williams from Hinesville has been selected as a finalist for the 2015 National Young Artist Competition, hosted by the Charleston Symphony Orchestra.
This solo competition challenges top-tier, conservatory-bound young musicians from across the country to compete for cash prizes and an opportunity to perform with the Charleston Symphony.
This year’s event drew 140 applicants from 32 states.
Williams is one of 13 finalists who have been invited to Charleston, South Carolina, to perform for a panel of judges April 9-11.
Four grand-prize finalists will compete in a live performance with the Charleston Symphony Orchestra; one musician will be named the 2015 national young artist of the year.
This year’s competition has expanded to include solo voice and percussion, lower the instrumental-age bracket, increased prize money and invite more finalists to Charleston.
In addition, the Brevard Music Center is offering Summer Institute tuition scholarships to each finalist.
Williams, 24, is performing Gustave Charpentier’s “Depuis le jour” and W.A. Mozart’s “Non mi dir.”
Born on Fort Stewart, Williams obtained her bachelor’s degree in vocal performance from Mercer University in Macon and is pursuing her master’s in vocal performance at Louisiana State University. She has performed internationally and, in 2010, was an ensemble member in the movie “For Colored Girls.”
Williams has been a finalist in the Nation Opera Association’s Vocal Competition and the Mobile Opera Madame Rose Competition.
She recently advanced to the regional round of the Metropolitan Opera Council auditions.