Longtime voice student, Seth Gruber, sang the role of Bacchus in Utah Lyric Opera's production of Ariadne auf Naxos Summer 2018 to great acclaim. Afterward, he entered the Death By Aria Competition. Guest celebrity judge was Deborah Voigt. He never dreamed he would have the opportunity to ever meet her, let alone sing for her.
Well, after two rounds of competition among some incredible colleagues - hewas awarded the Audience Choice Award, where audience members voted for their favorite singer. Then he was chosen as the First Place Winner by the 3 non-opera judges and was shocked!
Finally the icing on the cake... Deborah Voigt was there to pick her favorite singer for an award in her name. His name was called.
Bravo to Seth and his new, fine teacher Darrell Babidge!