Valleywide : 16 Valley Performers Vie in Talent Finals

They are singers, dancers, musicians--16 aspiring performers representing some of the best young talent in the San Fernando Valley. And earlier this month, they joined 49 other Southern California high school students as semi-finalists in a scholarship program sponsored by the Music Center of Los Angeles County.

The 1996 Music Center Spotlight Awards drew more than 800 applicants in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and San Diego counties, the center announced. Auditions were held throughout Southern California in October, November and December.

Next month, the semi-finalists will participate in six “master” classes taught by Los Angeles Philharmonic members and other professional performers between Jan. 13 and March 9. Classes include jazz instrumental music, classical instrumental music, musical theater voice, ballet, jazz and modern dance, and classical voice.

Following each class, auditions will be held to select a finalist and runner-up in each category. Finalists will receive $5,000 and runners-up will receive $2,500. They will be announced March 10.

On April 23, the 12 winners will perform at a special event held downtown at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. For ticket information, call (213) 202-2245.

Semi-finalists from the San Fernando Valley area are: Andrew Friedland, Julie May and Stephanie David, Agoura Hills; Jessica Tivens, Calabasas; Laurie Robin, Encino; Nova Safo and Jean Sayeg, Glendale; Tony Austin, North Hollywood; Marni Bieber and Ted Sugata, Northridge; Kimberly Lowenau, Sherman Oaks; Julia Freed, Rebecca Prince and Divita Wright, West Hills; Sam Sadigursky, Westlake Village, and Jessica Rawles, Winnetka.