By the Akron Symphony Orchestra

Kerry Clawson of Ohio.com/Akron Beacon Journal was present at the Porgy and Bess auditions held earlier this month. While there, she spoke with a number of audition hopefuls as well as Maestro Christopher Wilkins:

“Auditioners ranged from professional singer Pat Harris from Cleveland, who sang the Puccini aria O mio babbino caro, to Kim Shores, who said she was singing in public for the first time and has always wanted to be in a musical.”You’re having a breakthrough today,” said Wilkins, complimenting her after she sang You Can’t Stop the Beat from the musical Hairspray. Full casting isn’t expected to be announced for a couple of months. Sunday’s jurors, who also included Johnson and Renee Anthony Dee from the symphony, took careful notes on each singer. “We’ve had a phenomenal day. It’s just taken my breath away. The Gospel Meets Symphony Chorus has just come out in full force,” Wilkins said.”

Read the whole article here. Additional auditions will be held on October 17. Details here.

The Akron Symphony’s production of Porgy and Bess is sponsored by a grant from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation and will hit the stage at The University of Akron’s E.J. Thomas Hall on Saturday, April 16, 2011. Tickets are available from $20-$40 by calling (330) 535-8131 or online at Ticketmaster.com.