Cincinnati Opera launched Opera Idol™, the company’s search for the next great opera star, in June 2009. ­More than 160 amateur singers turned out for an open audition before a panel of professional judges. Through multiple rounds of voti­ng, six finalists were chosen. Videos of those finalists in performance were posted on the Cincinnati Opera website, and the public was invited to view the videos and vote for their favorite, for which over 10­,000 total votes were cast.

Margaret Russo, a 26-year-old native of Zionsville, Ind. and Xavier University graduate, was named the 2009 Opera Idol. As part of her prize, Ms. Russo had the chance to perform an aria from the stage of Music Hall before a sold-out crowd, immediately preceding a performance of Georges Bizet’s Carmen.

Read more about our 2009 Opera Idol Cincinnati Winner and watch videos of the finalists' performances!

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