Sarah Purser is the winner of Florida Opera Theatre’s 2011 Orlando Idol Voice Competition. Purser, 28, is currently a candidate for her master’s degree in Music, Vocal Performance and Conducting at the University of Central Florida.
She also is a songwriter and plays guitar in venues around Orlando.
Fourteen contestants were selected from those who auditioned during January for the title of “Orlando Idol.”
Purser was awarded $1,000 as the Orlando Idol during Sunday’s finale event. She plans to use the money toward the release of her first album.
Jose Fajardo, president and CEO for WMFE-TV and 90.7 WMFE-FM, presented the award. Judges included Rudi Cleare, managing director of the Negro Spiritual Scholarship Foundation; Susan Neves, international soprano; and Michael Andrew, vocalist and band leader of Swingerhead.
Florida Opera Theatre is partnered with the UCF Opera program and a consistent supporter of student efforts.