Submitted by Lorraine Braun
Mikalyn Zeiler, a student at Libby High school, has been selected for the 2018 High School Honors Performance Series at Sydney Opera House. She will perform alto 1 in July with the Honors Choir. Participation in one of the two Honors Ensembles is limited to the highest-rated high school performers from across the world.
Earlier this year, Mikalyn auditioned for the Honors Performance Series and was accepted after a review by the Honors Selection Board. Acceptance to the elite group is a direct result of the talent, dedication, and achievements demonstrated in her application and audition recording. Mikalyn will join other performers from 43 United States, the District of Columbia, Guam, Australia, Canada, China, Hong Kong, Qatar, and South Korea for a special performance at world-famous Sydney Opera House, a venue that marks the pinnacle of musical achievement.
According to Nancy Richardson, Program Director, “Being selected to the Honors Performance Series is something each Finalist should be extremely proud of accomplishing. We processed more than 18,000 nominations this year and have selected nearly 250 of the most talented student performers from around the world. Working with these conductors and performing at Sydney Opera House is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that these musicians will never forget”.
Mikalyn has studied music for 4 years and is a member of the “Old Town” theatre group, and high school choir. She also sings the national anthem for Libby sport events. She received several awards for her dedication to performing professionally. She earned a superior rating in every solo and ensemble she was included in during her freshman, sophomore and junior years. In response to her selection as a Finalist, Mikalyn said, “It is an honor to be chosen as a finalist in this internship. I dedicated my life to my voice and performance skills and I hope in the future this will help me become a big part in the Opera community.”
Finalists will come together in Sydney for six days in July. They will have the opportunity to learn from worldrenowned conductors, work with other Finalists, and get a taste of Sydney. The Honors Performance will take place Saturday, July 21, and is open to the public. Tickets can be purchased through the Sydney Opera House box office beginning 60 days prior to the concert.
The Honors Performance Series was created to showcase accomplished individual high school performers on an international level by allowing them to study under master conductors and perform in world renowned venues. The Honors Performance Series is proudly presented by WorldStrides, the nation’s leading educational travel organization. Learn more by visiting www.honorsperformance.org and www.worldstrides.com.