Baritone Colin Mason, 86, well known locally as a long-time participant in White Rock Chamber Music programs, has been chosen regional finalist in the seventh annual Chartwell Retirement Residences Senior Star talent contest.
The former Vancouver Opera performer’s bravura rendition of the Jerome Kern standard Ol’ Man River won him a spot in the national contest at the local regional contest at South Surrey’s Crescent Gardens on June 18.
Mason is now eligible to compete in the 2013 national final, to be held Nov. 5 at the Scotiabank Convention Centre in Niagara Falls, Ont.
Top prize in the national contest is $5,000, with $4,000 for the second place contestant and $3,000 for the third place finalist.
The contest is open to seniors in the community 65 or over, and contestants are not required to be residents of Chartwell facilities.
