2nd Annual Shure Montreux Jazz Voice Competition Winners Named

Eight finalists perform at festival as part of this year's competition.

 

After two performance-filled days, the 2nd annual Shure Montreux Jazz Voice Competition concluded on July 13th with Polish singer Anna Serafinska being awarded first prize from among the eight invited semi-finalists. Competition judges, including artists Angélique Kidjo, Barbara Morrison and Michael von der Heide, selected Serafinska based on her outstanding improvisational ability, range, vocal quality and presence. This year's competition attracted over 80 competitive entries from more than 25 countries around the world.

 

Rounding out the top four finalists were Romanian Maria-Luiza Zan placing second, Alexis Cole from the US and Australia's Karlie Bruce placing third and fourth respectively. Finalists were awarded Shure ULX Wireless Systems valued each at over $2000, in addition to cash prizes. As winner, Serafinska will also perform at next year's Montreux Jazz Festival.

 

"Shure and the Montreux Jazz Festival organization founded this competition to give young, unsigned jazz singers a platform to display their talent and be recognized," explained Ron Marchant, Shure Europe Marketing Director. "This year built on the tremendous success and excitement generated by our inaugural event. We are more than delighted with the quality of the competition and for the excitement it is generating."

 

For the tenth consecutive year, Shure was the festival's Official Supplier of Microphones and Wireless Systems, supplying a wide range of equipment for all festival sites, including a ConferenceONE Discussion System for press conferences. As in years past, a Shure service technician was on site to provide 24 hour hotline support.

 

Shure will continue as Official Technical Partner and Sponsor of the Shure Montreux Jazz Voice Competition through the festival's 40th anniversary in 2006.


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