Benson Wilson wins 2016 Lexus Song Quest

Benson Wilson

Benson Wilson has won the Lexus Song Quest at today's Grand Final Gala at the Auckland Town Hall. Benson will receive a cash prize of $20,000 and a Study Scholarship of $27,000, plus economy international travel up to the value of $3,000. Benson said he was “blessed to receive this honor and was ready to step up to the challenge.”

Second place was awarded to Auckland tenor Filipe Manu, third place went to Hamilton soprano Madison Nonoa, and Auckland bass-baritone Tavis Gravatt took fourth place. The Kiri Te Kanawa Foundation scholarship ‘for the singer who shows the most promise’ was also awarded to Madison Nonoa.

The four finalists each performed three pieces in front of a live audience, one accompanied by pianist Terence Dennis, and two arias alongside the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Edo de Waart.