Rotorua baritone earns place in final

Christian Thurston

A Rotorua man has been named as one of six finalists in a prestigious national singing contest.

Christian Thurston, a 22-year-old baritone, moved a step closer to being crowned winner of the 2014 Lexus Song Quest when the finalists were announced yesterday.

A winner will be chosen at the grand final on July 26 at Auckland Town Hall.

Preliminary judge Rodney Macann said selecting the 12 semifinalists was a difficult job and the grand final selection was even tougher.

"Because the second stage involves listening to recordings we had ample opportunity to assess who should go through. It was still hard because we had to make choices which meant very promising singers would miss out."

Mr Macann said in the end the two judges were clear about the final group and voice potential was a big factor.

"We have six very strong finalists, any of whom could take away major prizes. It will be a wonderful grand final with a mix of great voices and high performing charisma."

Mr Thurston, who is living in Wellington, will be up against Aucklanders Benson Wilson, Edward Laurenson, Isabella Moore and Bianca Andrew and Oliver Sewell of Wellington.

The Lexus Song Quest has launched the careers of some of New Zealand's most celebrated opera stars including Dame Kiri Te Kanawa and Dame Malvina Major, Jonathan Lemalu, Madeleine Pierard and Phillip Rhodes.

The grand final is considered one of the most exciting nights in the classical music calendar with the singers performing alongside the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and pianist Terence Dennis.

The winner receives a study scholarship of $15,000, cash prize of $10,000, plus a return economy international airfare.