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Main Prize finalist

María Isabel Vera was born in Santiago, Chile. She started her musical studies at the Metropolitan University (UMCE.), graduating BA in Music.

In 1992 she won the Best Actress Prize, Ministry of Education Theatre Festival, later studying with María Cánepa at the Theatre Academy and at the Centro Cultural Balmaceda. She has also studied with Patricia Vásquez, and with Clara Oyuela.

In 2002 she started her studies of Vocal Interpretation at the University of Chile and joined the Choir of the Metropolitan University of Technology (UTEM), then studying with Ricardo González Marinov and Alfredo Saavedra, joining the Chorus of the Municipal Theatre, Santiago, the same year.

In 2006 she was a finalist in the Francisco Viñas Competition, Barcelona, and began studies with Miguel Patron Marchand.

Operatic roles include Lola Cavalleria rusticana (University of Chile); Emilia Otello; Azucena Il trovatore; and in 2007 Eboli Don Carlo and Fenena Nabucco.

Concert appearances include Mozart's 'Sparrow' Mass (K220) with Camera Orchestra and Choir of the Metropolitan University, Santiago; Charpentier's Te Deum and Bach's Magnificat at Metropolitan Cathedral, Santiago; Mozart's Coronation Mass, Bach's Cantata No 106 and Handel's Messiah.

Her other interests are teaching singing to underprivileged children and painting.

Repertoire details for Concert 5 and ´óÏó´«Ã½ Cardiff Singer of the World final:

Final - Sunday 17 June

• Verdi: Stride la vampa! (Il trovatore)
• Verdi: Re dell'abisso - È lui! è lui! ne' palpiti (Un ballo in maschera)
• Mascagni: Voi lo sapete, o mamma (Cavalleria Rusticana)
• Verdi: O don fatale (Don Carlo)

Concert 5 - Thursday 14 June

• Verdi: Condotta ell'era in ceppi (Il trovatore)
• Saint-Saëns: Mon coeur s'ouvre à ta voix (Samson et Dalila)
• Donizetti: Fia dunque vero - Oh, mio Fernando (La favorita)

With Orchestra of WNO conducted by Carlo Rizzi