So said David Lindauer of the finalists in Annapolis Opera's 20th annual Vocal Competition in his review in The Capital on February 9, 2008. He continued "In fact, vocalism of an extremely high order was prevalent throughout the afternoon. As each contestant performed, I found myself thinking, 'There's no way the others can beat this singing.' And then, quite matter-of-factly, someone stepped up and did."

Lindauer said of Grand Prize winner baritone Jay Jung "...executed a deliciously comedic version of Leporello's "Catalog Aria" from Mozart's Don Giovanni...... and a heartfelt serenade to the evening star from Wagner's Tannhauser. His superb vocalism....". Mary Johnson, writing in the February 6, 2008 edition of The Sun, said of Mr. Jung's performance "....got into the (Mozart) aria with relish.... " and that he delivered the Wagner aria "soulfully".

Second Prize winner soprano Sunji Kim was described as having "...exquisite high notes and impeccable trills..." (DL). Mary Johnson credited her with "...vocal power and brightness and a facility with Italian. " In her presentation of "The Willow Song" from The Ballad of Baby Doe, "Kim sang expressively, hitting every high note fearlessly...". (MJ)

Soprano Claire Kuttler "delivered gorgeous vocal artistry in arias by Dvorak, Puccini and Gounod..." (DL). "In a most demanding performance, sporano Claire Kuttler chose a Dvorak aria, 'Song to the Moon,' before complying with the judges' requests to sing Mimi's farewell 'Donde lieta' from La Boheme. She did so touchingly before delivering a joyous 'Jewel Song'..." (MJ) Ms. Kuttler earned the third prize.

Another soprano, Daniele Pastin won fourth prize and the Audience Choice Award. "With her impressive vocal gifts and ability to move an audience, Ms. Pastin is clearly a major Verdi/Puccini voice in the making." (DL) "The final contestant, Danielle Pastin, sang a ravishing 'E strano',Violetta's aria that runas a gamut of emotions...." Then she honored the judges' request for 'Mi chiamano Mimi' that rapturously evoked spring and love....". (MJ)

The four study award winners received similar glowing comments. "Soprano Martha Banks delivered radiant selections....distinguished by sweet sounds combined with impressive vocal power." "Mezzo-soprano Michelle Rice.....demonstrated an impish comic spirit.....and great understanding of a character's emotion...". "Soprano Jessica Lennick treated the audience to a gorgeous rendition of the poignant aria 'Have peace, Jo'...". "But perhaps no single selection was as impressive as baritone Ku Won Lee's powerful and raging 'Credo in un Dio crudel' ('I believe in a cruel God'), Iago's cynical showstopper of an aria from Verdi's Otello." (DL)