Singing for her supper

IU masters candidate Twyla Robinson, a soprano, took home first place in the professional division at the MacAllister Awards competition, which was held at the Indiana Historical Society in Indianapolis. The MacAllister Awards are an annual vocal competition named for P.E. MacAllister, an Indianapolis businessman, philanthropist and the president of the Indiana Opera Theater. This competition, which is in its 22nd year, draws a field of over 800 contestants in the high school, college and professional divisions. \nRobinson, who was named a grand finalist in the prestigious Metropolitan Opera Awards just five months ago, will receive a cash prize of $15,500. Robinson joins an esteemed list of people who have won this award in the past including four other IU alumni: Nova Thomas, Michael Sylvester, Emily Magee and Kyle Ketelsen.\nIn October, Robinson will be making her New York City Opera debut as Donna Anna in Mozart's classic dramatic opera "Don Giovanni." The part of Donna Anna takes center stage in the first act of "Don Giovanni," which will give Robinson a chance to shine in her supporting role. Robinson will be performing October 3 and October 10, and she is scheduled to appear as a soprano soloist in Nielsen's Symphony #3 with the San Francisco Symphony on November 6-9.\nMaria Talbert, director of marketing and publicity for the IU School of Music, praised Robinson for her accomplishments, but also took time to praise Robinson's instructors for getting her to the point where she is today.\nTalbert said the whole music department is proud of Robinson's accomplishments, and the program's strength is reflected by the work of the many artists who are successful in the music field even after they leave IU.\nRobinson is a student of Costanza Cuccaro, a distinguished voice teacher and a Fulbright scholar at IU.\n"Twyla is a very talented and deserving young lady," Cuccaro said. "There is something that we describe as having the whole package; Twyla has the whole package."\nCuccaro, who has been working with Robinson for the last six years, said she is proud of how much she has improved over the years.\nTwo other students of Cuccaro's placed in the professional division of the MacAllister Competition as well, said Laura Baich, the outgoing media liaison of the IU School of Music. IU alumna Kristine Winkler won $3,000, and IU masters candidate Heidi Vanderford took home $1,000.