Converse Soprano Earns 1st Place Honors in Competition

Nisbet Honor student Tharanga Goonetilleke ’05 was the first place winner in the inaugural Palmetto Opera annual singers’ competition at the Koger Center in Columbia, S.C. April 17.

The contest was held in three rounds: first selections were from recorded arias, then the second round of twelve singers competed in a concert with piano accompaniment, and six were chosen from those to sing with the South Carolina Philharmonic. The judges were Lanny Palmer of Columbia College, Jane Dillard of UNC Charlotte, and Tom Dickinson of the Governor’s School for the Arts.

Tharanga won by singing the “Jewel Song” from the opera “Faust.” She won the hearts of the audience as well as they voted her audience favorite.

Converse alumnae Christin Owens ’98 and Martha Savage Zachary ’97also place among the final six.