Barat will take the stage March 25 at the Metropolitan Opera regional auditions in Minneapolis after becoming one of the youngest participants to win the district audition. Winners from six districts will compete at regionals and regional winners will move on to the semifinals at the New York City Metropolitan Opera.
“To win the regional spot as an undergraduate is a significant accomplishment,” said Peter Halverson, Barat’s voice instructor at Concordia. “Logan was competing against singers who had finished master’s degrees and even had professional singing experience. It really speaks to his vocal talent and potential.”
Barat serenaded the regional judges with two arias, accompanied on piano by Concordia faculty member Stephen Sulich.
“I chose pieces I could sing really well that showed a wide variety of characters, styles and languages,” Barat said. “Before the audition, I reminded myself to trust in the preparation I’d done. I didn't think about all the wonderful singers that were performing and how they were more experienced than I was. I thought about going out there and making the best art I could that day.”
Barat has set his sights on securing the coveted regional audition spot by fine-tuning his pieces before March. He is quick to share the credit for his success with the people who have helped him on his journey to regionals.
“Professor Halverson has been the biggest blessing I have ever received,” Barat said. “He has spent countless hours with me on repertoire, technique and character. He helped me become the musician I am today. Stephen Sulich has helped me do ‘garden work’ on my performance and clear the ‘weeds’ out of my pieces. Without guidance from these teachers, there is no way I would have won the district round of this competition.”
Photo: The Concordian/Bailey Hovland
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