Latin music contest Sunday in Auer Hall

These musical finalists have definitely added some spice to their repertoires.
 
The 13th Annual Competition in the Performance of Music from Spain and Latin America will take place 4 p.m. Sunday at Auer Hall and is free and open to the public.

Luiz Fernando Lopes, competition manager, said the more students research the Latin music genre, the more rewarded they will feel.

“We want them to find pieces that are very valuable, technically challenging, musically interesting and helps them to learn more about this type of music,” Lopes said.

There are two categories of competition: the open interpretation category, which will feature a wide variety of pieces including singing, piano and guitar and the special focus category, which will feature only violin.

Two prizes will be awarded in each category for first and second place. First place winners will receive up to $1,200.

Anna Hofmann, a student in the Jacobs School of Music singing in the competition, said she wants to have fun and do her best.

“I just want to perform well,” she said. “Singing is my passion. I cannot do anything else.”

Matvey Lapin, a fellow competitor and music student, said he was excited to share his new-found passion for Spanish and Latin music.

“I think the best part of it is that we have an opportunity and a reason to discover a new repertoire for music,” Lapin said.

Lopes said he hopes people will come to the competition and recognize the talent and hard work of the competitors.

“This is an opportunity for them to do what they like to do best,” he said. “Perform.”