SOUTHEAST SINGER 3RD IN MET AUDITIONS

ST. LOUIS -- Donna Smith didn't expect much from Saturday's Metropolitan Opera National Council Midwest Regional Auditions. The Southeast junior had had laryngitis two days before, and mixed up the verses on her second number, Verdi's "Falstaff."

But a shocked Smith was awarded the third-place prize in the prestigious competition, taking home a cash award and quite a resume entry for a 22-year-old hoping to make a profession of opera.

"The learning experience is why I did it," Smith said. "I'm not into it for the awards or money."

Making contacts in the opera world also is helpful, she said. She made some Saturday.

Because of her age, Met Artistic Administrator Jonathan Friend said the judges agreed, Smith has the greatest potential of all the contestants of having a major career.

A student of Assistant Professor Louisa Panou-Takahashi, Smith wasn't even supposed to be in the contest. She was the first alternate in the district competition held last November, but qualified when one of the finalists had a scheduling conflict.

When she confused the words, Smith said her mind went blank. "I don't think it really showed, though. I sang whatever Italian word came into my head at the time.

"...Boy, I was sweating bullets there for awhile."

Other judges were Edward Baird, professor of music and director of graduate studies at the School of Music, North Texas State University; and Cynthia Linton, associate professor and vocal area head, Department of Music, University of Mississippi.

Smith, a 1990 Cape Central graduate, is the daughter of Alice and Larry Smith of Cape Girardeau. She will sing the lead role in the Operafestival di Roma's production of "The Magic Flute" this summer in Rome.

Cary Nall, a Southeast senior who was one of three winners of the Metropolitan Opera's district auditions, also was one of the nine competitors.

The competition was won by Robert Crowe, a counter-tenor from the Tulsa District. Jane Jennings, a soprano from the St. Louis District audition, finished second.