Mary Perez, a senior at Union High School, received the first place scholarship award of $1,500 in the Vancouver Master Chorale Youth Vocal Scholarship competition held on April 9.

She will perform “Carmeña,” a song by the British composer H. Lane Wilson, during the Vancouver Master Chorale “From Haydn to Basin Street” concerts May 3 and 4.

Perez, who lives in Vancouver, also won first place in the Alto Solo category in the recent state Solo and Ensemble contest in Ellensburg. She is an apprentice singer with NW Vocal Arts in Portland. Perez currently studies voice with Laura Beckel Thoreson and has also worked with Lori Collier. Her choir teacher at Union is Margaret Green.

Contest judges praised Perez’ tone, facial expression and stage presence. “Beautiful, rich voice,” commented judge Dr. Scott Tuomi.

In the VMC Youth Scholarship contest, a second place award of $750 was given to Bailey McIlroy, a home-schooled senior who lives in Ridgefield. An encouragement award was given to Addyson Finley, a home-schooled junior who lives in Battle Ground.

“It was thrilling to witness the level of talent and enthusiasm the young scholarship auditioners showed in their performances,” said Susan Pautz, another judge. “Some displayed vocal maturity well beyond their age, with stage presence and vocal finesse to match.”

The third judge was Philip Denton, choir teacher at Skyview High School and VMC’s new director.

Local businessman and philanthropist Paul Christensen donated the funds for the first and second place awards.

The VMC’s concerts will include the Haydn Lord Nelson Mass and the jazz-oriented “Mass in Blue” by Will Todd. Concerts will be  at 7 p.m. May 3 and 3 p.m. May 4 at First Presbyterian Church, 4300 Main St., Vancouver. Tickets cost $30 for adults and $10 for students, and are free for children 12 and younger. Tickets are available at https://vancouvermasterchorale.org/